DR Congo Ebola outbreak on track to become deadliest in history, WHO chief says
By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent The current Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo threatens to become the deadliest in recorded history. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed reporters with stark projections on Wednesday. He noted that the epidemic now moves at an alarming velocity. At its current pace, it […]
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo looms over the possibility of becoming the deadliest in recorded history, warned the World Health Organization's chief on Wednesday. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the crisis's alarming speed, potentially surpassing the 2014-2016 West African outbreak responsible for over 11,000 fatalities.
Officially declared on May 15, the eastern Congo emergency now includes more than 4,300 cases and over 2,000 deaths, with genetic sequencing indicating the virus began spreading secretly in February. Identifying the Problem The Bundibugyo species of Ebola, known only for two recorded outbreaks in 2007 and 2012, has now sparked a new crisis.
This rare strain lacks a vaccine or standard treatments, spreading through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials like clothing. Rapid symptom onset involves fever, headache, and fatigue, progressing to extreme vomiting, diarrhea, and organ failure. Barriers to Containment Containing the virus in eastern Congo faces significant challenges due to ongoing instability, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure.
Current response efforts reach only about thirty percent of active cases, with personnel strikes over unpaid wages disrupting treatment facilities. Misinformation and distrust toward medical workers further complicate the situation. Global Response and Trials Global researchers are urgently developing countermeasures, including a newly authorized vaccine candidate by the UK's MHRA, based on technology from the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.
Three other research groups are also working on alternative vaccines. The WHO sponsors clinical trials in Ituri province to test antiviral therapies' effectiveness. Additionally, researchers are investigating if conventional Ebola vaccines might offer cross-protection. Collaborative efforts across Central and East Africa focus on cross-border surveillance frameworks and rapid response measures to prevent transmission chains from taking root.
Addressing the Crisis Success in navigating this crisis demands sustained international solidarity, transparent data sharing, and robust community engagement to overcome the gap between frontline responders and vulnerable populations.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
