The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has surpassed 500, prompting renewed concern from the World Health Organization (WHO). Since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, the country has recorded 1,561 confirmed Ebola cases, including 506 fatalities, underscoring the severity of the public health emergency.
According to the WHO’s latest situation report released on Monday, two additional Ebola-related deaths have also been reported in neighboring Uganda. However, the outbreak there remains relatively contained. Of the country’s 20 confirmed cases, 16 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
Data from the DR Congo Ministry of Health shows that the current outbreak has a case fatality rate of approximately 32 percent. A total of 254 patients have recovered, while another 354 suspected cases remain under investigation, raising further concerns among health authorities.
The epicenter of the outbreak is Ituri Province in northeastern DR Congo. Although Ebola cases have been detected in four provinces, Ituri remains the hardest-hit region. Health experts say the outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
To evaluate potential treatment options, clinical trials have been launched in the country. Researchers are assessing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP-134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the world cannot afford to wait for the next pandemic before strengthening preparedness. He said the ongoing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo serves as a reminder that infectious diseases continue to pose a major threat to global public health.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in displacement camps is making it more difficult to contain the outbreak. Ebola cases have been confirmed in at least four camps for displaced people in Ituri, where nearly 273,000 people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Funding shortages are also hampering the response. Although humanitarian agencies appealed for US$1.4 billion in aid for DR Congo this year, only US$752 million has been received so far. At the same time, escalating violence in South Kivu Province has displaced more people and further complicated relief operations.
Source: NDTV.