WHO Reports Rapid Spread of Ebola in DRC, Uganda Sees Progress

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the swift spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), noting that this outbreak is escalating more rapidly than any previous one.

On Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared with reporters that while the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in DRC took over ten months to surpass 2,000 confirmed cases, this current situation has reached that figure in just two months.

He stated, “It is now the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record. In the past month, it has expanded faster than any previous outbreak.”

As of Thursday, confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have climbed to 2,124, as per government statistics. The country’s public health institute reported that 51 new cases were identified on Wednesday in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.

While the DRC noted 62 new cases on Thursday, bringing the confirmed total to 2,073, the WHO has cautioned that the actual numbers could be at least double that amount.

This current outbreak, the 17th for the DRC, was officially declared on May 15 after multiple fatalities were reported in Ituri, a resource-rich province where various armed groups operate.

Ebola, which spreads through close contact and bodily fluids, has been identified in five provinces across DRC and has also reached Uganda, although most cases are in Ituri.

Tedros pointed out that over 80 percent of new cases are arising outside established contact lists, indicating that transmission chains are continuing to go unnoticed.

Fortunately, 377 individuals have recovered from Ebola in the DRC, demonstrating that early diagnosis and appropriate care can lead to survival in this challenging situation.

However, conditions in Ituri are being further strained as healthcare workers began a strike, blocking access to Bunia General Hospital on Wednesday. Staff reported they hadn’t received any compensation since the outbreak began and have been working in tough conditions.

In Uganda, there is a more positive outlook as the last Ebola patient was released from care on Thursday, which initiates a 42-day countdown to determine if the country can be declared Ebola-free, according to the health ministry.

Since mid-May, Uganda has recorded 20 cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with 15 of those involving individuals who contracted the virus in DRC before traveling to Uganda.

In contrast to the rising case numbers in DRC, Uganda has not reported a new case since June 22. “Today, Uganda has discharged the last Ebola patient, a Congolese national who has successfully recovered and is ready to be with his family,” noted Uganda’s health ministry on social media.

If no new cases emerge within the next 42 days, WHO guidelines suggest Uganda will be declared Ebola-free.