Ebola Spreading at 'Unprecedented Rate' in DR Congo, Doctors Without Borders Warns

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading at an "alarming and unprecedented rate," Doctors Without Borders warned, describing the situation as "more critical than ever." The aid organization expressed deep concern that there are no signs of the outbreak slowing down.

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Despite the tireless efforts of medical teams on the ground, the disease is spreading at an alarming and unprecedented rate.

Philippa Boulle, deputy medical director for Doctors Without Borders, stated that new suspected cases are being reported almost daily from new locations, extending beyond previously identified transmission chains. This rapid spread is particularly worrying, she noted.

According to the Congolese Ministry of Health, there have been 3,874 confirmed Ebola cases, with 1,751 deaths, resulting in a 45% mortality rate. Authorities attribute the high death toll to the late detection of cases. A significant challenge is the insufficient identification of contacts of infected individuals, hindering efforts to protect them from infection. Doctors Without Borders reported that 90% of patients at a treatment center in Bunia had not been previously identified as contacts.

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There are no signs that the outbreak is slowing down.

Controlling the outbreak hinges on identifying over 90% of contacts, ensuring their isolation, and providing prompt treatment. However, mistrust of authorities and ongoing fighting in rebel-controlled areas, which has displaced hundreds of thousands, further complicate these crucial containment efforts.

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New suspected cases are reported almost daily from new locations, beyond already identified transmission chains.