Ebola Outbreak in DRC Spreads to Sixth Province as Death Toll Rises

An Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread to a sixth province, Bas-Uele, according to Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC. The current epidemic is progressing at an unprecedented rate, with over 2,100 deaths and more than 4,500 confirmed cases recorded since its declaration on May 15. World Health Organization officials warned that the outbreak is on track to surpass the 2014 to 2016 West African outbreak, which remains the deadliest in history. The virus has primarily affected provinces along the north eastern border, including Ituri, where the outbreak was first detected. Uganda has also reported imported cases linked to the DRC.

Medical response efforts face significant challenges. Reports indicate that health services are overwhelmed, and the response is hindered by insecurity, fragile trust in authorities, and insufficient access to clean water. In Ituri province, some health workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages. Additionally, the diversion of medical staff and supplies to fight Ebola has led to an increase in maternal deaths as pregnant women avoid hospitals.

Because the Bundibugyo strain is genetically different from previous versions, there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments specifically approved for it. However, WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus announced that two vaccines developed for this strain have entered Phase I safety trials. The WHO has also recommended a Phase III trial for Ervebo, a licensed Ebola vaccine, to determine if it provides cross protection against the Bundibugyo virus. A trial assessing potential treatments has already reached 100 patients.

While the Africa CDC and Mercy Corps warned that the virus threatens to spread to South Sudan, some WHO officials expressed optimism that the trend could be reversed within three months if responses are implemented simultaneously across transmission zones.