The World Health Organization warned on Monday that Ebola transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is outpacing control efforts, 100 days after authorities declared the outbreak. WHO said more than 5,200 confirmed cases had been recorded and described the Bundibugyo virus outbreak as the fastest-growing in the country's history, requiring a substantial expansion of the response.
About 90 confirmed cases were recorded each day on average during the first three months, a pace WHO said was markedly higher than at the same stage of the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic and Congo's 2018-2020 outbreak. The virus has spread across six provinces, with Ituri accounting for about 85 percent of cases and 79 percent of deaths.
Mortality remains high inside and outside treatment facilities. WHO reported that deaths in communities, rather than Ebola treatment centres, represented about 60 percent of the 260 weekly fatalities recorded over the previous six weeks. The agency said the pattern points to continuing problems with early detection, referral and access to care, while patients who reach facilities may arrive with advanced disease.
The response operates amid conflict, displacement, attacks on health facilities, difficult access and reluctance in some communities. Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials, and early symptoms can resemble malaria. WHO says no vaccine or specific treatment is currently approved for this strain, making rapid testing, isolation, supportive care, contact tracing and safe burials central to control.
Congo received 16,250 doses of the licensed Ervebo Ebola vaccine late Friday, part of 70,000 doses expected from WHO and partners, according to the Associated Press. Ervebo is licensed against a different Ebola species, but WHO has recommended testing it in a randomized trial because it may offer some protection against Bundibugyo virus. AP cited the latest national figures of 5,375 confirmed cases and 2,557 deaths.
Response capacity has nevertheless expanded sharply: WHO said laboratories increased from one testing site to 19 facilities able to process more than 3,000 samples daily, treatment capacity rose from fewer than 10 beds to more than 1,300, and over 900 health facilities received infection-control support. WHO leaders said national and local authorities, communities and international partners must now move faster to detect cases, reach affected areas and mobilize sustained resources.
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