An Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 200 fatalities within its initial month, marking it as the most severe outbreak at this stage, according to Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. With 894 confirmed cases to date, the current outbreak surpasses a previous one in Uganda from 2000, which had 281 cases at the same timeframe, as stated by Dr. Wessam Mankoula, a medical epidemiologist at Africa CDC.
The number of cases continues to rise, now reaching 32 health zones in eastern Congo, with a 38% increase since last week. This outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments, was confirmed on May 15, several weeks after initial suspicions. In contrast, the more common Zaire virus, which has a vaccine available, was responsible for most of Congo’s prior 16 outbreaks.
Although 74 patients have recovered from the disease in eastern Congo and Uganda, the outbreak remains a significant challenge. Experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies are being developed for the Bundibugyo virus strain.
The outbreak primarily affects Congo’s eastern province of Ituri, where over 90% of cases have been documented. Cases have also been reported in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with cross-border transmission to Uganda resulting in 19 confirmed cases and two fatalities. Contact tracing is hindered by the region’s remoteness and ongoing insecurity in Ituri province, making it difficult to track the estimated 17,000 to 35,000 potential contacts associated with the confirmed cases.
The displacement of nearly a million people due to years of conflict in Ituri further complicates contact tracing efforts, as individuals flee attacks or frequently move within the province’s vast and challenging terrain. Only a fraction of the pledged funds to combat the outbreak has been released, adding to the complexities of the ongoing crisis. Africa CDC indicates a need for 540 personnel to address the outbreak, with only 84 currently available.
Efforts are underway to expedite the release of pledged funds and garner support from member states and partners to address the urgent needs of the affected countries and partners, according to Mankoula, emphasizing the critical importance of swift and effective intervention.
