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Ebola spreading faster than ever in DRC; Uganda nears virus-free status

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Ebola is spreading faster in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) than in any previous outbreak, with over 2,000 cases confirmed in two months.
  • The DRC's current outbreak is the third-largest on record, characterized by rapid expansion and 796 deaths so far, with the true toll potentially double the official count.
  • Meanwhile, Uganda is nearing Ebola-free status after discharging its last patient, marking a positive development in the fight against the virus in the region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating it is spreading at an unprecedented rate. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the current outbreak has surpassed 2,000 confirmed cases in just two months, a stark contrast to the 2018-2020 outbreak which took over ten months to reach the same number. This rapid expansion has resulted in 796 deaths, making it the third-largest Ebola outbreak recorded.

It is now the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record. In the past month, it has expanded faster than any previous outbreak.

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusThe WHO chief describes the alarming speed and scale of the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

"In the past month, it has expanded faster than any previous outbreak," Tedros stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak, declared on May 15 in the northeastern Ituri province, has seen cases spread across five provinces. The WHO estimates the actual number of infections could be at least double the official tally of 2,073 confirmed cases. Compounding the crisis, over 80 percent of new cases are being identified outside known contact lists, indicating that transmission chains remain elusive.

It has expanded faster than any previous outbreak.

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusThe WHO chief emphasizes the rapid progression of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

Despite the grim statistics, the WHO pointed to encouraging signs of recovery, with 377 individuals surviving Ebola in the DRC through early diagnosis and care. However, challenges persist in Ituri, where healthcare workers have begun a strike over unpaid compensation, disrupting efforts at Bunia General Hospital.

showing that with early diagnosis and safe care, this disease can be survived and stopped.

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusThe WHO chief highlights the possibility of survival and containment of Ebola with timely medical intervention.

In a contrasting development, Uganda is on the verge of being declared Ebola-free. The country discharged its last remaining Ebola patient on Thursday, a Congolese national who has recovered. This marks a significant milestone, initiating a 42-day countdown period. If no new cases emerge within this timeframe, Uganda will be officially free of the virus, according to WHO guidelines. Uganda had recorded 20 cases of the Bundibugyo strain, primarily linked to individuals who traveled from the DRC.

Today, Uganda has discharged the last Ebola patient, a Congolese national who has successfully recovered and [is] ready to be with his family.

— Uganda's health ministryUganda's health ministry announces the discharge of the final Ebola patient, signaling progress in the country's fight against the virus.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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