Arabic version: منظمة الصحة العالمية تعبر عن قلقها إزاء تفشي الإيبولا السريع في الكونغو
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a concerning surge in Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with 26 additional suspected deaths recorded in just 24 hours. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized his deep concerns regarding the epidemic’s scale and speed, highlighting that the recent cases are concentrated in remote areas affected by ongoing conflicts and resource limitations. According to SBS News, the outbreak has already claimed 136 lives, and health officials fear it may continue for an extended period.
The outbreak, classified as an international health emergency, is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or therapeutic treatment currently exists. The WHO has noted that the mortality rate for this strain ranges between 30 to 50 percent, further complicating response efforts. Local health authorities reported approximately 543 suspected cases, with limited laboratory testing conducted due to the challenging conditions in affected regions.
Efforts to combat the outbreak include the delivery of emergency medical supplies, including infection prevention kits and tents, to support healthcare workers in the field. However, the response has been hampered by inadequate facilities and a lack of protective measures, as illustrated by local accounts of burial practices without gloves or proper safety protocols. Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba has called for international assistance to help address the urgent needs of affected communities.
The WHO is considering a vaccine candidate known as Ervebo, though officials estimate it may take at least two months before it becomes available. Meanwhile, suspected cases have emerged in various locations, including the commercial hub of Butembo, raising alarms about the virus’s potential spread beyond DRC borders. In response to the crisis, neighboring Uganda has reported two cases involving Congolese nationals, prompting heightened screening measures at airports and travel advisories from other nations, including the United States and Australia.
