DRC Health Minister Warns of Very High Ebola Lethality Rate

Health Officials Report Outbreak of Bundibugyo Strain in Democratic Republic of Congo

A new outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has been confirmed in the northeastern province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to health officials, at least 80 deaths have been reported, with nearly 250 suspected cases recorded. The DRC’s Health Minister, Samuel-Roger Kamba, stated that the Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine and specific treatment available.

The outbreak was confirmed on Friday in Ituri province, which borders Uganda and South Sudan. Initially, 65 suspected deaths were reported, but this number increased to 80 by Saturday. The suspected patient zero was a nurse who reported symptoms of Ebola at a health facility in Bunia, the provincial capital, on April 24.

The disease has been confirmed in three health zones in Ituri, including Bunia and Rwampara. Medical aid groups, such as Doctors Without Borders and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are responding to the outbreak. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised concerns about the potential rapid spread of the disease due to high population density in affected areas and close proximity to neighboring countries.

The Africa CDC noted that the high volume of cross-border travel to and from the affected region, as well as logistical challenges, pose significant risks. The organization emphasized the need for timely, coordinated action to contain the further spread of Ebola. Trish Newport, emergency programme manager at Doctors Without Borders, stated that the rapid increase in cases and deaths is “extremely concerning.” Jagan Chapagain, secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, highlighted the importance of engaging with communities and building trust to prevent the epidemic from spreading further.

Source: Al Jazeera