DR Congo Ebola Outbreak 'Out of Control,' Warns MSF

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading "out of control," Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) has warned, as the death toll surpasses 2,500. This marks Congo's 17th Ebola epidemic and has become the nation's largest on record, exceeding the previous worst outbreak from 2018 to 2020 in terms of case numbers.

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In the first 100 days of this outbreak, we saw so many cases... compared to the outbreak in West Africa, which was the biggest up until now, but that outbreak only had a quarter of the number of cases that we're seeing in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, a strain for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. Jacob Burns, project coordinator for MSF, described it as the "fastest moving Ebola epidemic that we've seen," noting that the first 100 days of this outbreak saw more cases than the entirety of the previously largest outbreak in West Africa. The epidemic is spreading "very rapidly" across the country, affecting six provinces, including areas not impacted in previous outbreaks.

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It has spread to six provinces, including provinces that weren't touched in the last big epidemic here in 2018 to 2020 and what we're seeing is that the epidemic is unfortunately out of control.

Compounding the challenges, ongoing conflict in the DRC makes it difficult to access areas where transmission is active. Furthermore, other prevalent viruses like malaria are also causing significant health problems. MSF emphasizes the critical need for increased investment in surveillance systems to effectively control the outbreak. Pope Leo XIV has also called for international action, urging the global community to support containment efforts and involve local communities in prevention.

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In my prayers, I often remember the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in light of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which is sadly claiming many lives.

While over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have arrived in the DR of Congo, it is approved against the Zaire strain, not the Bundibugyo strain currently circulating. WHO experts are uncertain about its efficacy against this specific strain, though early data suggests potential partial protection. The fear among the population is palpable, as many remember the devastating impact of the last epidemic.

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I urge the international community to respond in a way that also involves local communities in prevention efforts to save as many lives as possible.