Ebola Situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

GENEVA — The World Health Organization announced on Friday that there are 906 suspected cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 223 suspected deaths currently under investigation.

An outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is still unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with some cases also noted in Uganda.

In total, there have been 125 confirmed cases of Ebola in the DRC, which includes 17 confirmed deaths in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Uganda has reported seven confirmed cases of Ebola, three of which were brought in from the DRC, and there has been one reported death. Fortunately, no community transmission has been detected, according to the WHO.

On the same day, Uganda’s health ministry confirmed nine cases.

This Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo likely began around two months ago, as stated by the World Health Organization in early May. The outbreak of this rare Bundibugyo strain, which lacks a vaccine, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO. Experts are particularly worried due to the extended period the outbreak remained undetected while spreading in a densely populated area, making it increasingly difficult to track and isolate those who have come into contact with infected individuals.

Worrying Mortality Rates

The mortality rate for those confirmed with the infection falls between 30% and 50%, remarked Anais Legand from the High Threat Pathogens Team as part of the WHO Health Emergencies Program.

“That’s significant. It suggests that up to five out of ten individuals may die,” Legand pointed out, while also noting that the data is still preliminary and requires deeper examination. She emphasized that timely medical attention could help reduce fatality rates.

The first patient to recover has been discharged from a health facility in the DRC after two negative test results. Legand expressed hopes that more patients would recover and highlighted the crucial need for access to early care.

The WHO is enhancing testing capacity and is optimistic that the backlog of test samples from suspected cases will be addressed in the coming days.

Legand indicated that the number of suspected cases is expected to rise, interpreting this as a positive sign that surveillance measures are effective.

“As for whether we’ve already passed the peak, investigations are still ongoing. I don’t think we can make that claim at this point,” she stated.