Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo Raises Concerns

The World Health Organization’s emergencies chief remarked on Tuesday that many Ebola virus cases in eastern Congo stem from unknown transmission routes. He expressed concern that the outbreak is “outpacing” the response efforts.

Since May, Congo has been grappling with an outbreak of a rare strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved treatment or vaccine. The Africa Centre for Disease Control noted that it’s currently the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak across the continent.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, after visiting Bunia in Ituri province—one of the hardest-hit areas—shared some troubling news. He pointed out that many recent deaths occurred in communities where individuals never accessed a health facility for care. He noted that as of now, 80% of new cases are not part of established contact lists, indicating they arise from unidentified chains of transmission.

As of Monday, Congolese authorities reported nearly 1,926 infections, with 702 fatalities across three provinces caused by the Bundibugyo virus. There have also been confirmed cases in Uganda.

Ihekweazu described his visit to Bunia as “encouraging on many fronts, but also deeply concerning.” Treatment capacity there has expanded to almost 800 beds, increasing weekly, and the laboratory facilities grew from one to 14, a positive development that he acknowledged.

Nonetheless, he admitted that despite best efforts, the response has not caught up with the outbreak’s speed.

The situation is complicated by a funding shortage, attacks on health facilities, ongoing regional conflict, and a general mistrust from local communities.

On Monday, staff at an Ebola treatment center in northeast Congo staged a strike over unpaid wages and bonuses.

The new outbreak was officially declared by Congolese authorities on May 15, following weeks of undetected transmission, according to the WHO. Clinical trials aimed at finding a treatment commenced last week amid hopes from researchers.

Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on July 11 that an American working with a humanitarian organization in Congo tested positive for the Ebola virus, but further details were not disclosed.