WHO: Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo 'Intensifying'

The Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is escalating at an "exceptional" rate, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to call for a significant enhancement of the health response. The WHO declared the current outbreak the largest ever recorded in the country's history.

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This outbreak is now the largest recorded Ebola virus disease outbreak in the country.

As of July 30, the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain for which no vaccine or treatment is currently approved, had resulted in 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths. This translates to a case fatality rate of 44 percent. The WHO noted "sustained transmission and continued increases in reported cases and deaths," indicating the outbreak's intensifying nature.

The epicenter of the outbreak is the northeastern Ituri province, which shares borders with South Sudan and Uganda. The virus has also spread to four other provinces, including North Kivu and South Kivu. These regions, particularly large areas within them, are under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, adding layers of complexity to containment efforts.

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The outbreak is 'intensifying, with sustained transmission and continued increases in reported cases and deaths,'

The WHO highlighted that the "convergence of insecurity, population displacement and mobility, and cross-border movements complicate response operations and increase the risk of further geographical spread." Despite these challenges, progress is being made on vaccine development. Hilleman Laboratories in Singapore is developing a promising vaccine, and a clinical trial for a different Bundibugyo vaccine developed by Oxford University has begun, with the first volunteer receiving a dose last week.

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The convergence of insecurity, population displacement and mobility, and cross-border movements complicate response operations and increase the risk of further geographical spread.