Ebola Outbreak in Congo Declared ‘Extremely Concerning’ by Medical Experts
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The rapid and intense Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has created an “extremely concerning” situation, according to the humanitarian medical organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Within just two weeks of declaring the outbreak, MSF’s deputy director, Dr. Alain Gonzalez, stated that such an accelerated spread and volume of incidents has never been previously recorded.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), made these remarks during his visit to Ituri province in eastern Congo to assess efforts to control the virus.
To date, more than a thousand suspected Ebola cases have been reported in Congo, with at least 246 deaths confirmed.
Neighboring Uganda has also reported nine confirmed cases and one death.
“The situation two weeks after the outbreak was declared in Ituri province is extremely worrying,” Gonzalez said in a statement released Saturday.
“Such a rapid emergence of so many cases has never before been recorded,” he added.
Warning
Gonzalez noted that teams working in the affected areas have not yet been able to fully control the rapid spread of this epidemic.
“The reality today is that nobody fully knows the true extent or severity of this outbreak. New suspected cases are being reported daily, but hundreds of samples are still undergoing testing.”
Gonzalez explained that key obstacles such as border and airport closures are hindering control efforts and the distribution of humanitarian aid.
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WHO has reported that ongoing conflict in Congo is also significantly hindering efforts to control Ebola.
Arriving Saturday in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, Dr. Tedros said his team came to the DRC to observe “how the response is progressing and what challenges there are to aid delivery.”
They urged the communities at the epicenter of the outbreak to play a crucial role in combating the disease.
The WHO chief stated that the affected community members “understand the problems well and also know how to solve them.”
Dr. Tedros also emphasized the importance of respectful funerals for Ebola victims while highlighting the risks involved in current practices.
“Contact with the bodies of those who died from Ebola can further spread the virus. Families mourning their lost loved ones must take care not to harm others or perpetuate the cycle of grief,” he cautioned.
Traditional community funeral practices are considered a significant transmission route during early infection phases of the epidemic.
Many local community members customarily touch, clean, and kiss the corpses of the deceased.
The bodies of those who die from Ebola are highly infectious.
Control Efforts
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Daily life appears normal in Bunia city, with people moving about for travel, business, and daily activities.
At the city airport, provisions for passengers include soap and water to wash their hands.
Public health posters are visible throughout the airport, and health information broadcasts are transmitted via radio and television in local languages as well as French, Congo’s official language.
The first destination of WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros during his visit was the National Biomedical Research Institute in Bunia, where samples from suspected Ebola patients are tested.
According to local health officials, this center is now capable of delivering test results within 24 hours.
This advancement will help doctors identify infections and begin treatment more promptly.
Previously, samples had to be sent 1,500 kilometers away to the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
This delay increased the risk of fatalities and further transmission of the virus due to slower diagnosis.
How Dangerous is This Outbreak?
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The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is rare and for which no proven vaccine is available. Approximately one-third of those infected succumb to the disease.
Ebola virus typically spreads from animals, especially fruit bats, though humans can become infected by consuming infected animal meat or through close contact with these animals.
Transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, diarrhea, saliva, urine, semen, and sweat from infected individuals.
The virus can also spread by touching contaminated items like needles, bedding, or clothing.
Early symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, and sore throat.
These initial signs may be followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
On Saturday, Brazilian health officials announced they are investigating a suspected Ebola case in São Paulo state.
The individual, a 37-year-old man recently returned from the DRC, is currently in isolation.
After infection, symptoms can take from two up to 21 days to appear.