Kinsasha, May 27: Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is still in its early stages, yet the number of infections and fatalities continues to rise.
During a press conference, Kamba revealed that health officials have identified nearly 1,000 suspected cases in affected areas, with 101 confirmed infections. Initial estimates suggest that approximately 200 to 220 deaths are linked to this outbreak, with 17 fatalities confirmed through laboratory tests.
Kamba stated, “We are currently in the early phase of the epidemic, and its progression will depend on the effectiveness of our prevention and control efforts.” He indicated that the government’s response campaign could last between four to six months.
This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which Kamba noted is not as deadly as the Zaire strain. However, it remains dangerous if infections continue to rise. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for this strain.
To curb the spread of the virus, officials are relying on measures such as monitoring, testing, isolating patients, tracing contacts, community engagement, and safe burial practices.
According to reports from the Xinhua News Agency, the government has suspended civilian passenger flights to and from Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province and the outbreak’s epicenter, while humanitarian flights continue.
Kamba mentioned that the virus may have been spreading before its official declaration on May 15, as the incubation period for Ebola can be up to 21 days. He also noted that “patient zero,” the first infected individual, has yet to be identified.
Previously, on May 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a confirmed Ebola patient in Goma, eastern DRC, is recovering, and efforts to strengthen the response to the outbreak are ongoing.
WHO’s acting representative, Anne Anciya, provided this information during her visit to Goma, a city currently under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.
She reported that the patient is being treated at a local hospital and is in “much better” condition, with regular monitoring of those who came into contact with them.
Anciya emphasized that the main focus is on improving the city’s health status, monitoring, patient treatment, contact tracing, and community involvement to control the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
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