The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that it is ‘chasing’ the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, as the death toll surpasses 1,900. According to recent government figures, confirmed cases of Ebola have reached 4,200, resulting in more than 1,900 deaths.
The WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, revealed that genetic sequencing has shown the outbreak actually began in February, several months prior to its official declaration in mid-May. Initial cases were mistakenly diagnosed as other illnesses, including malaria and typhoid. Dr Janabi noted that ‘so we are chasing the virus, the virus is ahead of us.’
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments. This, combined with the challenging conditions in the affected region, has made it difficult for responders to catch up. The area is experiencing strikes by unpaid health workers, threats by rebel groups, and misinformation asserting that Ebola isn’t real.
The WHO assesses the worldwide risk of spread as low because Ebola is not airborne, making it far harder to transmit than respiratory viruses. However, the outbreak is unfolding at an alarming rate, with new cases doubling in some hot spots. Health authorities have said that between 60% and 70% of new cases are recorded outside of contacts being monitored.
The outbreak has killed more people at a quicker rate than any other, including the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa that is considered the worst on record. Ebola is rare but highly contagious and can be contracted from bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and materials. The disease it causes is severe and often fatal.
Access to healthcare in the region is already challenged by years of rebel conflict, and the outbreak is exacerbating the situation. Some pregnant women and others are avoiding health centers for fear of the virus, putting their lives at risk.
