Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Possibly Spreading Rapidly, WHO Warns
An Ebola outbreak that has resulted in at least 131 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) may be spreading more rapidly than initially believed, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) representative.
Dr Anne Ancia informed the BBC that ongoing investigations by the agency reveal that cases have extended to additional regions.
As of Tuesday, officials reported over 513 suspected cases in DR Congo, with one fatality confirmed in neighbouring Uganda.
However, modelling conducted by the London-based MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, released on Monday, indicated significant under-detection of cases and suggested that the actual number of infections could exceed 1,000.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who declared the outbreak an international emergency last week, expressed grave concern regarding the epidemic's scale and rapid progression.
There is apprehension that the outbreak may have been ongoing for several weeks prior to its initial detection on 24 April.
Currently, no vaccine exists for the specific strain of Ebola virus responsible for the recent increase in cases, though the WHO is assessing whether alternative drugs might offer protection.
Challenges in Containment Due to Insecurity and Population Movement
In an interview with BBC World Service Newsday, Dr Ancia described DR Congo's Ituri province, the outbreak's epicentre, as a "very unsecured area with lots of movement of population," complicating efforts to investigate and control the disease.
"The more we are investigating this outbreak, the more we realise that it has already disseminated at least a little bit across border and also in other provinces."
The outbreak has extended to South Kivu province, a region that has endured a prolonged humanitarian crisis, Dr Ancia added.
Additionally, a case has been reported in Goma, eastern DR Congo's largest city with approximately 850,000 residents, which is currently under the control of Rwandan-backed rebel groups.
High insecurity levels across several provinces contribute to frequent population movements, thereby increasing the risk of virus transmission.
Regional Responses and Evacuations
Several African nations have implemented precautionary measures, including enhanced border screenings and the preparation of health facilities. Rwanda has closed its borders with DR Congo as part of these efforts.
An American citizen, believed to be missionary doctor Peter Stafford, is being evacuated from DR Congo after exhibiting symptoms over the weekend.
Germany's health ministry confirmed to the BBC that a US citizen is being transported to Germany for treatment.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated it is coordinating the evacuation of at least six other Americans who have been exposed to the virus.
About the Ebola Virus and Previous Outbreaks
Ebola is a viral disease that initially presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which is rare and has previously been responsible for only two outbreaks, with a mortality rate of approximately one-third of those infected.
Between 2014 and 2016, West Africa experienced the largest Ebola outbreak since the virus's discovery in 1976, with over 28,600 infections.
This outbreak was caused by the Zaire strain, for which an approved vaccine exists.
The disease spread to several countries in West Africa and beyond, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy, resulting in 11,325 deaths.
