An expert has highlighted a key adjustment that could help reduce the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, currently grappling with its 17th outbreak.
The World Health Organization has documented 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths in the latest Ebola outbreak. As of now, 51 cases have been confirmed in the DRC, where the initial case emerged, with two cases reported in neighboring Uganda, revealed WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
A humanitarian leader in the DRC explained to the Mirror the unique challenges posed by this crisis compared to previous outbreaks and suggested a single modification that could aid in halting the virus’s transmission.
The epicenter of the outbreak lies in the northern region of the DRC, particularly in the Ituri province. This outbreak stands out because the WHO confirmed that the cases involve the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or targeted medication. Dr. Ghebreyesus acknowledged that developing a vaccine for this strain might take several months.
Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Sanni, the Country Director of ActionAid DRC, expressed concerns about overwhelmed hospitals in the affected areas and emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated Ebola treatment center in the most impacted regions to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to Dr. Yakubu, the absence of a specialized Ebola treatment facility in Bunia, where the first known case was reported, has forced general hospitals to adapt to accommodate Ebola patients, sometimes at the expense of other individuals seeking medical care.
He stressed the importance of establishing a dedicated Ebola treatment center in Bunia to facilitate easier referrals and enhance isolation and distancing measures, as the current situation makes it challenging to effectively manage the outbreak.
The World Health Organization has cautioned that the risk of Ebola spreading globally from the DRC and Uganda is high at national and regional levels but remains low on a global scale.
The DRC reported the first Ebola-related death on April 24 in Bunia, with confirmation delayed for weeks. The deceased individual’s body was transported to the Mongbwalu health zone, a densely populated mining area, which contributed to the rapid escalation of the outbreak, according to Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba.
Dr. Anne Ancia, the head of the WHO team in the DRC, noted the ongoing challenges in identifying the initial case (“patient zero”) and highlighted the critical need for sustained funding to support humanitarian efforts during the outbreak.