Geneva, May 25: The Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying as new cases emerge amid heightened surveillance efforts. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, over 900 suspected cases have been reported, with 101 confirmed cases identified.
The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Ituri Province, where approximately 5 million people reside amidst ongoing conflict. Tedros highlighted that one in every four individuals in this region requires humanitarian assistance, and one in five has been displaced from their homes.
He noted that violence has forced many, including healthcare workers and aid personnel, to flee, complicating efforts to identify Ebola patients and conduct contact tracing. Delays in recognizing the disease hinder timely treatment.
Tedros also pointed out that fear and insecurity are eroding trust among the local population, making the situation even more challenging.
The WHO chief confirmed that the organization and humanitarian health partners remain active in several areas of Ituri, including remote and insecure locations. Residents are battling not only Ebola but also various other diseases.
He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare services in the region to address immediate needs and rebuild trust, which is crucial for combating Ebola.
On May 16, Tedros declared the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC). By May 22, the WHO raised the risk level to “high” at the national level, while maintaining a “low” risk at the global level.
According to the WHO, Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease affecting humans and some animals, such as monkeys. The virus typically spreads from wild animals like bats and porcupines to humans and can then be transmitted between humans through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated items.
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