The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Friday that the deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is spreading rapidly, even as response efforts are being stepped up.
“The outbreak remains serious and is evolving very rapidly.
However, I have seen a response that is getting stronger every day,” WHO’s Africa emergencies chief, Marie-Rosaline Belizaire, said, speaking to reporters in Bunia, the epicentre of the outbreak.
He said contact tracing has improved, with about 75% of known contacts now reached, although the WHO says at least 95% must be traced to effectively control the outbreak.
The outbreak was declared on 15 May, but transmission is believed to have been going on without detection for some time before then.
Belizaire said some patients are seeking help from traditional healers before going to health facilities or staying at home, delaying treatment.
He said the treatment capacity has increased from zero beds to more than 500 treatment beds. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no vaccine or specific
According to WHO data, there have been 896 confirmed cases and 232 confirmed deaths so far, including 21 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.
More than 90% of cases are concentrated in the conflict-hit Ituri province, although the virus has also spread to North Kivu and South Kivu.
Overall, 78 people have recovered, which Belizaire described as a reminder that timely diagnosis and access to health care can save lives. (with AFP inputs)
