Ebola one month on: will the latest outbreak in DRC become the most deadly yet? | Ebola
An Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus has resulted in 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, primarily in Ituri province, according to UN figures. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of victims is roughly doubling every week.
The crisis reached a local orphanage in Bunia after the facility took in a newborn baby whose mother had died from the virus. The infant died two weeks later, and four nuns who provided care subsequently fell ill with Ebola.
Dr. Babou Rukengeza, Save the Children’s Ebola response lead in the DRC, described the situation as “really, really devastating.” All staff and children at the orphanage are currently under symptom monitoring.
Why is the Ebola outbreak spreading in Ituri?
Community distrust and cultural practices are driving transmission. Africa CDC reports that “community trust is a critical challenge,” with some residents in Bunia denying the virus exists or blaming Red Cross workers for spreading it.
Traditional funeral rites pose a significant risk. A study following the 2016 outbreak found that exposure to body fluids during “unsafe” funerals created an average of 2.58 secondary cases.
Ongoing conflict in the worst-hit areas further complicates the response. WHO officials have registered more than 520 security incidents affecting field teams, while misinformation leads some patients to avoid hospitals.
How is the international response performing?
Frontline workers report shortages of personal protective equipment and vehicles for transporting deceased patients. While testing has improved, workers state it must be faster and closer to patients.
Funding remains a point of contention. A joint response plan from Africa CDC and the WHO estimates $518 million is needed over six months. Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, stated that some early financial pledges “were not real,” though approximately $212 million in support is “almost there.”
Gratien Iracan, an MP for Bunia, noted on social media that international resources are “not yet sufficiently visible on the ground in Ituri.” He cited an instance where promised support failed to arrive after a community reported a suspected case.
What are the risks to healthcare workers?
Medical staff face high exposure because Ebola spreads via body fluids. Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, chair of the Africa CDC emergency consultative group, reported that in one treatment center he visited, five of 22 patients were healthcare workers, including two doctors and an anaesthetist.
Travel restrictions have also sparked debate. Africa CDC reports that 22 countries, including the US, have imposed restrictions on travelers from the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan. Critics argue these measures impede the health agencies’ ability to respond.
What happens next for the Bundibugyo virus?
The outbreak is currently the third largest on record. Modeling by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the outbreak could grow to match the 2014-16 West Africa epidemic, which killed more than 11,000 people.
Dr. Jean Kaseya stated that the goal is to prevent the outbreak from moving from the third largest to the second or first.
Possible next steps for containment include the rapid testing and production of vaccines against Bundibugyo and the use of existing antivirals, which latest research suggests are likely to be helpful.
In neighboring Uganda, health officials say the outbreak is under control following 19 cases and two deaths, attributed to intensive contact tracing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current death toll in the DRC?
According to UN figures, there are 136 deaths out of 676 confirmed cases.
How much funding is required to stop the outbreak?
A joint plan by Africa CDC and the WHO estimates $518 million is needed over the next six months.
Why are some people resisting hygiene measures?
Africa CDC attributes this to a lack of community trust and a reluctance to allow sick relatives to be cared for by strangers in isolation units.
How should the global community balance travel restrictions with the need for medical aid during health crises?