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Africa's Ebola Outbreaks Complicated by Victims Who Prefer Traditional Healers over Hospitals
Health workers say misinformation and mistrust are pushing patients to healers first, delaying treatment as the outbreak has killed at least 181 people.
- In Bunia, Ituri, a worsening Ebola outbreak has killed at least 181 people since being confirmed on May 15, prompting The World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.
- Misinformation and mistrust drive many to seek traditional healers instead of medical care, said Onesphore Bangenza of Mercy Corps, as some believe the virus is spiritual rather than a medical condition.
- Deogratias Kasereka sought medical care for symptoms including "muscle weakness and headaches" only after his children compelled him, reflecting broader challenges seen since the 2007 outbreak in Bundibugyo that killed at least 36 people.
- Religious leaders are emerging as first responders to combat the emergency, while The World Health Organization is urging early testing and isolation of contacts to curb the rare Bundibugyo virus.
- This seventeenth outbreak since 1976 highlights the ongoing danger of the virus within the rich Congo Basin, as The World Health Organization continues monitoring the situation amid widespread mystification in Africa.
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Africa’s Ebola outbreaks complicated by victims who prefer
BUNDIBUGYO: Whenever Ebola comes, some of the afflicted choose the road to the nearest hospital. Others take the path to the shrine of a traditional healer, often with devastating consequences. Many view the onset of hemorrhagic fever as a spiritual affliction and seek out herbs and prayers instead of going to the hospital. This is the case now in Congo, which is suffering its
·Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Associated Press News+34 Reposted by 34 other sources
Africa's Ebola outbreaks complicated by victims who prefer traditional healers over hospitals
Whenever Ebola comes, some of those stricken choose the road to the nearest hospital. Others take the path to the shrine of a traditional healer who can prescribe herbs or offer prayers.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources41
Leaning Left16Leaning Right4Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 43%
C 46%
11%
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