The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is continuing to outpace response efforts, according to the World Health Organization's emergencies chief, Chikwe Ihekweazu. He stated that a significant majority of new cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, with 80% of new cases outside of established contact lists.
Ihekweazu, speaking Tuesday after a trip to the heavily impacted Ituri province, also highlighted that many of the newly reported deaths are occurring within communities, with individuals dying before reaching healthcare facilities. "Perhaps the most alarming finding is that many of the newly reported deaths are people who died in their communities without ever reaching a health facility and without receiving care," he said.
The outbreak, caused by a rare type of Ebola, began in May and currently has no approved treatment or vaccine. Congolese authorities reported that as of Monday, at least 1,926 people have been infected and 702 have died across three provinces. Cases have also spread to neighboring Uganda. The Africa Centre for Disease Control last week identified this as the continent's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak.
Recently, a U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in Congo tested positive for the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Specific details about the individual were not provided.
Despite challenges, Ihekweazu noted some encouraging developments during his visit. Treatment capacity in Bunia has expanded to nearly 800 beds and is growing weekly, with laboratory capacity increasing from one to 14 labs. However, he emphasized that "despite our best efforts ... we have not caught up in the race."
The response to the outbreak has been hindered by several factors, including a funding gap, attacks on health centers, ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, and a lack of trust among local communities. Adding to the difficulties, dozens of workers at an Ebola virus treatment center in northeast Congo went on strike Monday over unpaid salaries and bonuses.
Congolese authorities officially declared the outbreak on May 15, though the disease had been spreading undetected for weeks prior, according to the WHO. Clinical trials for potential treatments commenced last week following the launch of a new study aimed at combating the virus.