The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak has resulted in approximately 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths so far. Although the situation does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency, the WHO warned that the outbreak could become much larger than currently reported, posing significant risks of local and regional spread.
Key developments
- The current Ebola strain is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved drugs or vaccines.
- Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and bleeding.
- There are eight laboratory-confirmed cases in DR Congo, with suspected cases and deaths across three health zones: Bunia (the provincial capital), Mongwalu, and Rwampara.
- One confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, in a patient who had recently returned from Ituri province.
- The virus has spread beyond DR Congo, with two confirmed cases in neighbouring Uganda, including a 59-year-old Congolese man who died after testing positive.
- A confirmed case was also reported in Goma, a city currently controlled by M23 rebels.
- At least six Americans have been exposed to Ebola in DR Congo; one has shown symptoms but no confirmed infections have been reported among them.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to send additional staff to DR Congo and Uganda, and the US Embassy in DR Congo has issued a health alert advising against travel to Ituri province.
Why this matters
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is a serious public health threat due to the high fatality rate of the virus and the lack of approved treatments or vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain. The outbreak’s location in urban and mining areas, combined with ongoing security challenges and high population mobility, increases the risk of wider spread both within DR Congo and to neighbouring countries. The confirmed cases in Uganda and the presence of the virus in border regions highlight the potential for regional transmission. Effective monitoring, rapid response, and international cooperation are critical to containing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
Response and recommendations
- The WHO has advised DR Congo and Uganda to establish emergency operation centres to monitor the outbreak, trace contacts, and implement infection-prevention measures.
- Confirmed cases should be isolated and treated until two negative Bundibugyo virus-specific tests are obtained at least 48 hours apart.
- Countries bordering affected regions should enhance surveillance and health reporting systems.
- The WHO recommends against closing borders or restricting travel and trade, stating such measures are not scientifically justified and often driven by fear.
- Rwanda has announced tightened screening at its border with DR Congo and strengthened surveillance and health team readiness as precautionary measures.
Background
Ebola was first identified in 1976 in what is now DR Congo and is believed to have originated from bats. This current outbreak is the 17th in the country. The average fatality rate for Ebola is around 50%, according to WHO data. DR Congo experienced its deadliest Ebola outbreak between 2018 and 2020, with nearly 2,300 deaths. A smaller outbreak last year resulted in 45 deaths in a remote region.
Over the past 50 years, approximately 15,000 people have died from Ebola across African countries. The ongoing outbreak in DR Congo is complicated by the urban setting of affected areas and mining activities, which contribute to significant population movement and increase the risk of virus transmission.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
