We are chasing Ebola virus - it is ahead of us, WHO warns

The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently experiencing a severe Ebola outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that authorities are still struggling to contain the virus. The outbreak began at least three months before it was officially declared on May 15th, resulting in over 1,900 deaths - making it the second-worst outbreak ever recorded. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is the primary culprit, centered in the eastern region of DR Congo where insecurity has complicated control efforts.

WHO Africa director Dr Mohamed Janabi cautioned that "we are chasing the virus, the virus is ahead of us" during a news conference in the outbreak's epicenter - the city of Bunia. This sentiment is backed by research indicating that the virus began spreading in February and was initially misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. Janabi cited the challenges posed by insecurity, stating that health workers are only reaching about 30% of the cases, with the remaining deaths occurring at home.

Cultural practices, such as traditional burial rituals where mourners touch the deceased's body, and a general mistrust of health authorities in certain communities, have also contributed to the difficulty in controlling the outbreak. However, there have been advancements in the situation, with several dedicated treatment centers now operational in the eastern part of DR Congo.

Diagnosis appears to be happening more quickly than before, with the country reporting 4,294 confirmed cases and 1,960 deaths so far. The most extensive Ebola outbreak on record took place in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, claiming 11,325 lives.