Inside Mongbwalu: Trust grows in DRC Ebola response

Residents of Mongbwalu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are adopting additional precautions as health authorities step up efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak.

Health checkpoints are operating along the main roads into the town, where travelers are required to wash their hands and undergo health screening before entering. Residents say awareness of the disease has increased as communities learn more about how the virus spreads.

"At first, quite a few people were dying and we didn't know why. In the end, we found out it was due to the Ebola virus," said Abigael Muvuna, a Mongbwalu resident. She said she now regularly washes her hands with soap and clean water, avoids crowded places and limits her attendance at funerals.

Some households have also installed handwashing stations at entrances where water is available, while families are taking additional precautions during funerals and when handling bodies."We wash our hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before eating. We also avoid touching the deceased so as not to become infected," said another resident, Jeanne Mwanvua.

Sanitation measures are also being implemented at Mongbwalu's main market, although water shortages continue to pose challenges. Local authorities say compliance with health measures has improved as residents become more familiar with the outbreak, including in areas such as Andisaa and Guedi, although challenges remain in the rural commune of Mongbwalu.

Mayor Sesereki Mandro Israel said national health directives were being enforced locally and urged residents and community leaders to follow the measures to help curb transmission.

Treatment facilities are also being expanded, while health teams continue to conduct daily contact tracing.