Lives and incomes lost as Ebola takes toll on Bunia’s public-facing workers

Justin Keno, principal of Nelson Mandela school in Bunia, has installed hand-washing basins, provided alcohol rub for parents, banned outside food sellers and told pupils to bring packed lunches, yet he still worries about children coming from neighbourhoods declared epicentres.

The DRC and Uganda both announced outbreaks on 15 May after the virus had likely circulated undetected for weeks; the World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern and identified the cause as the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no vaccine or approved treatment.

Residents who work face to face with the public say the economic pain is already severe. Sylvie Guilaine closed her used-clothes shop and now helps a bricklayer, soaking work clothes in bleach before entering her home; she fears whole families being wiped out.

DRC, Bunia

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