The incurable Ebola virus has spread throughout the northeastern part of Congo, increasing the death toll by twofold to 31 over the past week. The World Health Organization states that the first known infected person was a health worker, a peculiarity in instances such as these(if it really is the first infected person). The disease is characterized by severe internal bleeding and is contagious, to the dismay of local cultural practices. Normal Congolian funerals include the body being displayed to onlookers in the days preceding burial- a custom that works to their severe disadvantage at this point, since it exposes them to the disease. Efforts to improve public education about the consequences of this practice have been expended by the WHO, Doctors Without Borders and Congo's health ministry. Two quarantine centers are also being supervised. This is Congo's ninth Ebola epidemic.
Congolians don't have nearly the same access to information as more Westernized nations, which can explain why after eight epidemics they are still adhering to traditional burial practices for Ebola victims. Therefore, their lack of development is a direct contributor to this epidemic, as it is in many nations. Other countries likely have similar burial practices, and so will need to be educated on this in case an epidemic occurs. Disease also increases poverty as families have to struggle to pay medical bills, which can also place a burden on their mental health. This prevalence of disease in the developing world is a debilitating factor for economy as well, due to health care expenses.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/14/3002079/un-health-agency-says-ebola-toll.html
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