The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is spreading rapidly despite intensified efforts to contain the disease.
Speaking from Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, WHO Regional Emergencies Director for Africa, Marie-Roseline Belizaire, described the outbreak as serious and evolving at a pace that continues to challenge response teams.
“The outbreak remains serious and is evolving so fast,” Belizaire told reporters in Geneva, while noting that containment efforts are strengthening daily.
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, although health authorities believe the virus had been circulating undetected for some time. It is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine currently exists.
According to the latest WHO figures, the DRC has recorded 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths, with 21 new infections reported within the last 24 hours. More than 90 per cent of the cases have been concentrated in the conflict-affected Ituri Province.
Belizaire said the rapid spread of the virus has forced health authorities to expand treatment and surveillance capacity significantly. The number of treatment beds has increased from zero to more than 500, while surveillance teams are now investigating nearly 400 alerts and can conduct over 2,000 tests daily.
She added that efforts to trace contacts of infected persons have improved, with health workers now reaching about 75 per cent of identified contacts. The WHO has said at least 95 per cent of contacts must be traced to effectively contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Uganda, the only other country affected by the outbreak, has recorded 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths and 10 recoveries. Health authorities there have reported no new infections in the past 12 days.
The WHO said it remains committed to supporting national authorities and partners in scaling up response measures to curb the spread of the virus and prevent further loss of life.
