The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed serious concern over the growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo after authorities reported 134 suspected deaths and more than 500 suspected cases. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Outbreak Spread Undetected for Weeks
Health experts revealed that the virus circulated for several weeks before officials identified it correctly. Initially, authorities tested patients for the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, and those tests returned negative results. Consequently, the delay allowed the virus to spread further across several regions.
Moreover, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of the epidemic. He also warned about the increasing number of infections in urban areas and among healthcare workers.
Congo Awaits Experimental Vaccines
Authorities in Congo are now expecting shipments of experimental Ebola vaccines from the United States and Britain. Researchers at Oxford developed these vaccines for different Ebola strains, although experts cautioned that widespread deployment could take time.
As per NDTV, health officials are also considering the use of the Ervebo vaccine, which targets another Ebola strain. However, experts believe approved treatments may not become available for at least two months.
WHO Declares International Health Emergency
In response to the escalating crisis, WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The organization has rushed emergency resources to affected provinces near Uganda, where two confirmed Ebola cases have already emerged.
Additionally, aid agencies such as Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and the Red Cross have intensified relief operations. UNICEF alone delivered more than 16 tons of supplies, including disinfectants, protective equipment, and water purification tablets.
Healthcare System Faces Severe Pressure
Healthcare workers on the ground continue to face mounting pressure as treatment centers struggle to accommodate suspected patients. Several hospitals reportedly lack proper isolation wards, while many facilities have already reached capacity.
Furthermore, ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has complicated relief efforts and slowed the movement of medical supplies and personnel. WHO officials admitted that weaknesses in the surveillance system contributed significantly to the delayed response.
Ebola Remains Highly Dangerous
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, and semen. Symptoms usually include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding. Although outbreaks can be controlled through strict public health measures, delayed detection often increases transmission risks.