The World Health Organization (WHO) has released alarming information regarding the rapidly spreading Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that this is the second-largest epidemic in history and the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak they have ever seen. The number of infection cases has exceeded 6,000, and the death toll has reached 3,000.
elchi reports that the situation regarding the ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with journalists at the WHO headquarters in Geneva and explained the current status of the epidemic.
Ghebreyesus stated that the epidemic in the DRC is the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history and drew special attention to its speed of spread. According to WHO data, the number of cases has exceeded 6,000, and the number of deaths resulting from the epidemic has reached 3,000.
Spread to 60 health zones in 6 years
The epidemic has covered a very large geographical area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ebola cases are currently observed in 60 health zones across 6 provinces.
The epicenter of the epidemic is Ituri province. According to data released by the WHO, approximately 85% of infection cases and 88% of deaths due to Ebola have been recorded in this province.
Unknown chains of transmission cause concern
One of the biggest concerns for the WHO is that many of the deceased were not on previously known contact lists.
Ghebreyesus stated that this indicates the existence of as-yet-unidentified chains of transmission and warned that the infection could continue until all transmission chains are found and broken. He stated that the infection will continue to pose a threat not only to the Democratic Republic of the Congo but also to neighboring countries and the entire region.
Most deaths occur outside treatment centers
Another important point emphasized by the WHO is that the majority of deaths occur outside of Ebola treatment centers.
The failure to bury those who died from Ebola in accordance with safe burial procedures is also noted as a factor accelerating the spread of the virus.
Over 330 tons of emergency aid materials sent
The WHO, together with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, is expanding measures to combat the epidemic. So far, more than 330 tons of emergency supplies have been sent to the region, and more than 300 experts have been mobilized.
Eyes on new Ebola vaccines
It is reported that two new vaccines against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which is the cause of the epidemic, have passed safety trials in the UK and Canada. There is already an approved vaccine against the Ebola virus in Zaire, but the WHO states that it is not yet known whether this vaccine is effective against the Bundibugyo virus. Efficacy trials for all three vaccines are planned to begin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in October or November.
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