DRC Ebola epidemic risks spreading to neighbors, UN warns

The Ebola epidemic raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo is in danger of spreading to neighboring countries unless swift action is taken, according to the UN's Ebola coordinator Julien Harneis. He stated that over 2,500 people have died in the DRC from Ebola during the current epidemic, which is now spreading across an area larger than France. This outbreak is the deadliest in the country's history. Harneis warned that funds for controlling the epidemic are sufficient for only a few more weeks. The current epidemic was declared on May 15, but the disease is believed to have been spreading for weeks prior. The outbreak, which originated in the Ituri province, is particularly affecting the northern and eastern parts of Congo. A specific strain of the Bundibugyo virus is spreading in the region, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment for it. The virus spreads through bodily fluids and causes hemorrhagic fever. The UN announced on Thursday that Congo would receive 70,000 doses of Ebola vaccines, intended for the Zaire strain of Ebola. It remains uncertain if these vaccines will be effective against the Bundibugyo virus strain. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed a positive view on the vaccine distribution.

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The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is in danger of spreading to neighboring countries unless swift action is taken.