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NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 10, 2026San Diego County

Dr. Rupa Narra reports on pediatric patients and transmission rates during the Ebola outbreak in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Photo: KPBS Public Media

An Ebola treatment unit in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo, is operating at full capacity amid an outbreak driven by the Bundibugyo strain. Dr. Rupa Narra, a pediatrician with Doctors Without Borders, describes high mortality rates among children and infants, and operational challenges including a lack of approved vaccines, antiviral medications, and personal protective equipment restrictions.

EbolaDemocratic Republic of CongoPublic HealthPediatricsDoctors Without BordersDisease Outbreaks
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 6,800 confirmed cases and 3,310 deaths since May, with children accounting for a disproportionate share of fatalities and facing near-fatal outcomes for newborns due to the absence of approved vaccines or antiviral treatments.

Key Facts

  • An Ebola treatment unit in Butembo with 30 beds is entirely full.
  • The outbreak has recorded at least 6,800 confirmed cases and over 3,310 deaths since May.
  • The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain of ebolavirus, which currently has no approved antiviral medication or vaccine.
  • About 30% of adults diagnosed with the virus die within two weeks, with higher death rates for children and near-certain fatality for newborns.
  • Children represent 1 in 4 confirmed cases and 1 in 3 overall deaths in this outbreak.
  • Medical staff are limited to supportive care, such as IV fluids, oxygen, blood transfusions, and treating secondary infections or hypothermia.
  • The 30-bed treatment unit splits capacity between 15 beds for patients awaiting test results and 15 beds for confirmed cases, though quarantine beds are being used for confirmed cases due to high patient volume.
  • Healthcare workers are limited to about an hour at a time inside protective gear due to difficulty and safety risks.
  • The eastern border region conflict between the Congolese army and Rwandan-backed paramilitary forces has displaced families to cities like Butembo.
  • Foreign aid cuts and conflict have disrupted routine vaccinations and assistance for other regional health issues like malaria, measles, and malnutrition.

Who's Mentioned

locationDemocratic Republic of Congo“Country experiencing the Ebola outbreak.”PersonDr. Rupa Narra“U.S. pediatrician working for Doctors Without Borders in Butembo.”locationButembo“City in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where the Ebola treatment unit ”locationUganda“Neighboring country near the eastern border region conflict.”otherBundibugyo“Strain of ebolavirus driving the current outbreak.”locationRwanda“Neighboring country near the eastern border region conflict.”locationBrooklyn“Location where Dr. Narra previously worked in an emergency department during COV”locationHaiti“Location where Dr. Narra previously worked for Doctors Without Borders.”OrganizationDoctors Without Borders“Medical humanitarian organization providing staff and treatment units.”OrganizationNPR“News organization publishing the Global Health newsletter.”