Bundibugyo virus outbreak worsens in DRC, cases reach 4,665 - WHO

The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has entered an intense transmission phase, escalating into the largest Ebola outbreak reported in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Saturday that as of Wednesday, the DRC has recorded 4,665 confirmed cases and 2,184 deaths. This grim toll translates to a case fatality ratio of 46.8 percent, highlighting the severity of the epidemic.

Initially confined to the Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, the outbreak has now expanded alarmingly to 54 health zones across six provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, and Bas-Uélé. Bas-Uélé recently reported its first confirmed case in the Buta health zone, linked to a traveler from Haut-Uélé, underscoring the expanding geographic reach.

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Initially confined to Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, the outbreak has expanded to 54 health zones across six provinces

The outbreak reached its peak in epidemiological week 32, with 579 cases and 304 deaths reported in a single week. The increasing infections, wider geographical spread, and high death rates have heightened concerns about the public health emergency. Response efforts are being significantly complicated by insecurity, population displacement, and cross-border movements, which increase the risk of further transmission.

DRC authorities, in collaboration with WHO and partners, are implementing extensive response measures, including scaling up containment activities. WHO and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have prioritized enhanced surveillance and community engagement. Treatment centers are being expanded, and healthcare workers are receiving training to support these facilities. While France and Uganda have managed imported cases without significant secondary transmission, Uganda remains at risk due to ongoing transmission in neighboring DRC. Regional preparedness remains crucial to prevent further cross-border spread.

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DRC authorities, working with WHO and partners, are implementing extensive response measures while scaling up activities to contain transmission