Ebola outbreak in DR Congo reaches 600 deaths, Africa CDC warns of rapid spread

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated dramatically, with the death toll reaching 600 as of Thursday, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak, declared in mid-May, has reported 1,759 confirmed cases, highlighting a case fatality rate of 34 percent.

Fastest-Growing Ebola Outbreak in History

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has described this outbreak as the fastest-growing ever recorded. Dr. Wessam Mankoula, head of emergency preparedness and response, stated, "This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever, not only among the previous Bundibugyo outbreaks, but all the different viruses that are causing Ebola." The outbreak primarily affects Ituri province in northeastern DRC.

Despite efforts to contain the virus, the situation remains dire. As of now, 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases are under investigation. The WHO is concerned that the true scale of the outbreak has not yet been fully established.

Challenges in Containing the Outbreak

Authorities are racing against time to control the spread of Ebola. Anne Ancia, the WHO's representative in the DRC, expressed concerns about ongoing transmission, stating, "It is still in the expansion phase, unfortunately. We would like to say it is stabilising, but frankly we cannot say it yet." Factors such as population movements, persistent insecurity, and a fragile health system complicate response efforts.

The current health infrastructure is under significant strain, with treatment centers operating at around 90 percent capacity. The DRC government is monitoring over 10,000 contacts of infected individuals, but the follow-up rate remains at only 82 percent, below the 95 percent needed to effectively manage the outbreak.

Research and Treatment Efforts Underway

In response to the outbreak, trials for two potential treatments for the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola commenced on July 2. The treatments being evaluated include the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both alone and in combination. With no approved vaccines or treatments available, these trials represent a critical step in combating the virus.

The WHO has increased laboratory testing capacity from 30 tests per day to more than 2,000 tests daily in decentralized labs across affected provinces. To bolster its response, the WHO seeks $115 million, of which only 32 percent has been received to date.