The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Bunia in eastern Congo, a hotbed of a rare Ebola outbreak. Despite organized health facilities and new aid, the virus is outpacing efforts to control it.
Ghebreyesus plans to visit a treatment center and talk with local authorities, health workers, and affected families. He emphasized, “The best way to address this is to provide all the necessary support at the epicenter of the outbreak.” Official figures report 906 suspected cases and 223 possible deaths, but “CBS Saturday Morning” noted actual numbers could be significantly higher.
Neighboring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death. The WHO upgraded the risk assessment to “very high” nationwide, underscoring the outbreak’s rapid spread. Recent medical aid from the European Union and an additional $80 million from the U.S. are en route to aid the response.
No Approved Treatment for Bundibugyo Virus
The Bundibugyo virus, the current Ebola strain, lacks an approved treatment or vaccine. Ghebreyesus conveyed confidence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ability to manage the outbreak, given its history with Ebola.
While health responses at key Bunia hospitals have improved with more staff and supplies, Doctors Without Borders warns this outbreak is one of the fastest spreading on record. Dr. Alan Gonzalez of MSF has urged for expanded testing, more aid workers, and consistent medical supplies.
Health workers face threats from local residents opposing stringent protocols for handling deceased victims, leading to attacks on health centers. Additionally, conflicts involving armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels further complicate response efforts in Ituri and other affected provinces.
Controversy Over Border Closures
In reaction to the outbreak, Uganda and Rwanda have closed their borders with Congo. Tedros stated that such measures are ineffective and urged countries to reconsider, highlighting Congo’s transparent reporting.
In the U.S., Secretary of State Marco Rubio has barred entry to non-U.S. passport holders recently visiting Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. Major airports, including JFK and Hartsfield-Jackson, are conducting enhanced screenings for travelers showing symptoms. Meanwhile, a Kenyan High Court judge halted plans for an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya.