The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) began at least three months before its official declaration. This delay means health authorities are still struggling to contain the disease, according to the WHO.
Since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, more than 1,900 people have died from the virus. This makes it the second-worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded. Infection rates remain high, raising concerns about the authorities' ability to control the spread.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Africa director, stated that "We are chasing the virus, the virus is ahead of us." He noted that research indicates the virus started spreading in February and was initially misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. The epicentre of this Bundibugyo species of Ebola is in eastern DR Congo, where insecurity has hindered control efforts.
Health workers are reportedly reaching only about 30% of cases, with others dying at home, partly due to insecurity. Traditional burial practices and community suspicion of health authorities have also complicated efforts. There is currently no approved vaccine or recognised therapeutic drugs for the Bundibugyo species.
DR Congo's health ministry has reported 4,294 confirmed cases and 1,960 deaths. The largest recorded outbreak occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, resulting in 11,325 deaths.