By Daily Review Online
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading faster than health authorities can contain it, with more than 700 people now confirmed dead.
WHO said about 80 percent of newly reported Ebola cases in eastern Congo are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, making it increasingly difficult for health officials to trace infections and curb the spread of the disease.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, began in May and has become Africa’s fastest-growing Ebola epidemic, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for the strain.
Speaking after a visit to Bunia in Ituri Province, WHO emergencies chief Chikwe Ihekweazu described the situation as deeply concerning.
He said many of the latest victims died in their communities without reaching health facilities, preventing health workers from isolating patients, providing treatment or tracing their contacts.
“As of today, 80 percent of new cases are outside our contact lists and are coming from unknown chains of transmission,” Ihekweazu said, warning that the outbreak continues to outpace response efforts.
Congolese health authorities reported that, as of Monday, the outbreak had infected at least 1,926 people and claimed 702 lives across three provinces. Cases have also been confirmed in neighbouring Uganda.
Despite the worsening outbreak, health officials say treatment capacity has expanded significantly. Bunia now has nearly 800 treatment beds, while laboratory capacity has increased from one facility to 14.
However, efforts to contain the virus continue to face major challenges, including funding shortages, insecurity caused by armed conflict, attacks on health facilities and mistrust among local communities.
The response suffered another setback this week when dozens of healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment centre in northeastern Congo staged a strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses. Although they have agreed to return to work, they warned that services could be disrupted again if the government fails to settle the outstanding payments within 72 hours.
Meanwhile, clinical trials for potential treatments began last week, offering fresh hope for combating the rare virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also confirmed that an American humanitarian worker in Congo recently tested positive for Ebola.
Health authorities continue to urge intensified surveillance, rapid case detection and stronger community engagement to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.