More than 2,500 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak, with Médecins Sans Frontières warning that the epidemic is spreading at an alarming rate.
The country’s 17th Ebola outbreak became the largest in its history by case numbers in late July, overtaking the previous record set during the 2018 to 2020 epidemic.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting this strain.
Jacob Burns, project coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières, described the situation as “out of control” and said it was the fastest-moving Ebola epidemic the organisation had seen.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Burns said the number of cases recorded during the first 100 days of the outbreak had far exceeded the level seen during the major West African Ebola crisis.
He said the disease had now spread to six provinces, including areas that were not affected during Congo’s previous major outbreak.
“The epidemic is unfortunately out of control,” Burns said, warning that the situation was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
The spread of Ebola has also been complicated by ongoing conflict in parts of the country. Security conditions can make it difficult for medical teams to reach communities where transmission is continuing.
Burns said other diseases, including malaria, were adding to the pressure on local health services and communities.
He called for greater investment in disease surveillance systems, saying early detection would be essential to slowing transmission.
Fear is also affecting communities that remember the devastating impact of the previous Ebola epidemic. Burns said many residents had witnessed deaths during the earlier outbreak and were now experiencing renewed anxiety as infections increased.
International concern over the crisis has also grown. Pope Leo XIV called for international action to help limit the impact of the outbreak and urged efforts that involve local communities in prevention programmes.
More than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine arrived in Congo on Friday.
The vaccine, produced by Merck, is approved for protection against the Zaire strain of Ebola but has not been approved for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the current outbreak.
World Health Organization experts are still assessing whether Ervebo can provide protection against Bundibugyo Ebola. Early evidence, including findings from animal studies, suggests it could offer some level of protection.
Health organisations are now facing the challenge of expanding surveillance, treatment and prevention efforts while operating in areas affected by insecurity and limited medical resources.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login