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Ebola outbreak in DR Congo: 1,274 cases, 360 deaths and fastest-spreading in Africa
The Ebola outbreak declared on May 15 has recorded 1,274 cases and 360 deaths in its first month, making it the fastest-spreading outbreak in Africa. WHO and Africa CDC warned of the risk of the outbreak spreading to 10 neighboring countries.
Outbreak spreading rapidly
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Ebola outbreak declared in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) on May 15 is the outbreak with the highest number of cases recorded in one month on the African continent.
According to WHO data, this outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the country since 1976. According to the latest data from the DR Congo Ministry of Health, 1,274 confirmed cases have been identified in the country, while the death toll has reached 360.
Outbreak becoming harder to control
While the epicenter of the outbreak remains Ituri province, cases have also been seen in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Although health teams continue contact tracing, the emergence of new cases shows that the outbreak has not yet been brought under control.
The WHO stated that the accelerated spread is influenced by late detection of initial cases, delayed seeking of medical help, security problems, and misbeliefs about the disease in some areas. It was also stated that the activities of armed groups are making it difficult for health teams to work.
Risk could spread to 10 countries
The WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warned of the risk of the infection crossing DR Congo's borders. It was stated that Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and Kenya are particularly under threat.
Emphasizing that the outbreak poses a risk for at least 10 regional countries due to intense cross-border population movements, the Africa CDC called for increased health checks at borders, expanded laboratory capacity, and strengthened surveillance systems.
Lack of vaccine and treatment
So far, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Experts underline that early diagnosis and supportive care are the most effective ways to increase the survival rate.
History and impact of Ebola
The Ebola virus was first identified almost simultaneously in 1976 in what is now DR Congo and South Sudan. Since then, it has caused major outbreaks in Central and West African countries.
The largest outbreak occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016; more than 28,000 people were infected and more than 11,000 people died. In DR Congo, the outbreak recorded between 2018 and 2020 resulted in 3,481 cases and 2,299 deaths.
The WHO estimates the average death rate for Ebola at about 50 percent, but this rate can vary between 25 percent and 90 percent depending on the virus strain.
Transmission and symptoms
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people, contaminated objects, or contact with wild animals. Airborne transmission does not occur.
The incubation period of the disease ranges from 2 to 21 days. Main symptoms include high fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat; in severe cases, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding occur.
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