Ebola: Traditional Funeral Practices and Delays in Seeking Care Hinder the Response

A sociological study conducted in August with support from the WHO found that funeral practices and delays in seeking medical care are complicating the Ebola response in the Nizi health zone, Djugu territory, Ituri. The zone has recorded 458 deaths among 794 confirmed cases, and direct contact with victims’ bodies during funeral ceremonies increases the risk of transmission. WHO risk-communication focal point Jacques Malirwa recommends working with customary leaders to adapt rites temporarily to health requirements. The study also found that patients often mistake symptoms for malaria or poisoning and turn to self-medication or traditional healers before seeking care too late.