Schools Reopen in Congo’s Ebola Epicenter Despite Concerns

CONGO – A new academic year began across Congo on Tuesday despite concerns by parents and teachers that the country’s ebola outbreak still poses risks to children in the epicenter.

The resumption of classes comes in the middle of what authorities say is the fastest-growing outbreak of the disease ever, with 2,950 killed among the 6,100 cases confirmed so far since mid-May.

The union representing teachers in Ituri Province, the epicenter of the outbreak, had called for a delay in restarting classes, but the government pressed ahead.

UNICEF said it is supporting the authorities to prevent transmissions in schools.