Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo spreads to 2 new health zones with a total of 60 areas now affected

Bunia, Congo (AP) -- The world's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has expanded to two additional health zones in eastern Congo, bringing the total to 60 affected areas, according to the most recent government data released on Friday. The new zones impacted are Biena and Manguredjipa, both located in Congo's North Kivu province. Health officials report a significantly higher case fatality rate in these zones, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths recorded thus far.

The rapid spread of the outbreak, faster than tracking and containment efforts, is attributed to factors such as insecurity, displacement, a strike by healthcare workers, and intense population movements in the region. The outbreak's trajectory is alarming, as the World Health Organization warns that it could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which claimed over 11,000 lives, primarily in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Doctors Without Borders has opened a new treatment center in Beni, North Kivu, to accelerate the response in one of the hardest-hit areas. North Kivu, while largely affected by cases in northeastern Ituri province, has an Ebola fatality rate close to 69%, one of the highest in the country, according to latest government figures.

The organization has initiated vaccination of health workers and front-line personnel with the Ervebo vaccine, which proved effective in previous outbreaks caused by the Zaire type of Ebola. Clinical trials are underway to identify a vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo virus responsible for the ongoing outbreak, which currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments.

Although the outbreak was declared in mid-May, officials suspect continuous spread since February, moving from three health zones to nearly 60, with most cases and fatalities occurring beyond the monitored contacts and within communities. Containment efforts, including limiting public gatherings, social distancing, and airport closures, have disrupted life in the six affected provinces, particularly in Ituri, which has witnessed severe rebel violence.

Government measures, such as installing health and sanitary equipment, have been implemented; however, advocacy groups emphasize the need for further actions to build trust within the community. While neighboring Uganda declared itself Ebola-free last month, the risk of further cross-border spread persists, according to the World Health Organization.

WHO expert Marie Roseline Belizaire notes that the Central African Republic is now considered the nation at highest risk of spillover, closely followed by South Sudan, as the Eastern Congo Ebola outbreak continues to expand towards border areas.