A health worker stands at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia, eastern Congo, where Ebola clinical trials are scheduled. Recently, the World Health Organization reported that 80% of new Ebola cases in eastern Congo emerge from unknown transmission chains. This indicates the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track, despite efforts to control it.
Congo has been facing an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola since May. There’s no approved treatment or vaccine. The Africa Centres for Disease Control notes it is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on the continent.
Chikwe Ihekweazu shared concerns on returning from Bunia in Ituri province, one of the worst-hit areas. He stated, “Many newly reported deaths occur in communities without reaching a health facility. 80% of new cases are outside our contact lists, emerging from unknown transmission chains.” Lack of isolation and treatment for these cases increases transmission risk.
The outbreak continues to surpass response efforts. Congo’s authorities report 1,926 infections and 702 deaths across three provinces due to the Bundibugyo virus. Cases have also been confirmed in Uganda. Despite positive developments in Bunia, where treatment capacity is now 800 beds with 14 labs, Ihekweazu acknowledged the challenges remain significant.
Response obstacles include funding gaps, attacks on health centers, ongoing conflict, and local mistrust. Healthcare workers in northeast Congo went on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses, affecting patient access. They resumed work with a 72-hour ultimatum for payment.
The Congolese authorities declared a new Ebola outbreak on May 15, following undetected transmissions for weeks. Clinical trials for treatment began recently in a significant effort to combat the virus. Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a U.S. citizen in Congo tested positive for Ebola, adding another layer of complexity to the outbreak.