‘We are chasing the virus’ – WHO warns of worsening Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm about a worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), warning that the health authorities are playing catch-up as the disease has been spreading for at least three months before official declaration. Since May 15, the virus has claimed over 1,900 lives, making it the second-worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded. Infection rates remain high, raising concerns over the authorities' struggle to control the spread of the disease.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, is centered in the eastern part of DR Congo, an area plagued by insecurity that has hindered control efforts. WHO Africa director Dr Mohamed Janabi, speaking at a news conference in the city of Bunia, said that the virus is currently 'ahead of us,' highlighting the urgent need to contain the outbreak.

Janabi cited research that suggests the virus began spreading in February, initially misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. The virus's rapid spread, coupled with the challenging environment caused by insecurity, has resulted in health workers only reaching around 30% of the cases, with the rest dying at home. Traditional burial practices and suspicion of health authorities in some communities have also complicated the situation.

Despite the difficulties, several dedicated treatment centers have been established in the eastern part of DR Congo, leading to more timely diagnoses. So far, there have been 4,294 confirmed cases and 1,960 deaths, according to DR Congo's health ministry. This current outbreak surpasses the largest recorded Ebola outbreak in history, which occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016 and resulted in 11,325 deaths.