Ebola: Over 2,000 dead in DR Congo as virus gathers pace
Authorities in the DRC say the Ebola virus is killing faster than any outbreak on record. Scientists say it began sooner than thought, may have been transmitted from animals to humans and is gaining momentum.
An outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola virus, a particularly deadly strain, has claimed over 2,000 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since its detection, according to health authorities. Over 4,380 infections have been recorded, making it the 17th outbreak in the DRC. The current outbreak is far more severe than previous ones, with a case fatality rate of 45.9% compared to 39.6% in the 2014-2016 West African outbreak.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba stated that the situation is not yet under control, with the virus spreading rapidly and exhibiting a higher mortality rate. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids and causes hemorrhagic fever. While there are vaccines for some strains of the Ebola virus, none are approved for the rare Bundibugyo strain currently spreading in the DRC.
Health authorities face significant challenges due to the volatile security situation, inaccessible roads, rebel violence, lack of healthcare worker pay, and mass strikes. Ebola has historically killed more than 15,000 people in Africa over the past half-century. The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed restrictions on public gatherings and closed the airport in Ituri Province, but the outbreak continues to spread.
Clinical trials for antiviral treatments are ongoing, and the WHO has recommended a full-scale human trial of the Ervebo vaccine, although its effectiveness against the DRC strain remains unproven.
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