Kinshasa, May 24: The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has temporarily suspended all passenger flights to and from Bunia, the capital of the northeastern Ituri province. This region is currently the epicenter of an ongoing Ebola outbreak, as announced by the Ministry of Transport.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Ebola outbreak was declared in Ituri on May 15, with Bunia being one of the most affected areas. A government statement indicated that, until further notice, no aircraft will be allowed to land at or take off from Bunia Airport.
The ministry reported that all commercial, private, and special flights to and from Bunia have been halted. However, humanitarian aid, medical, and emergency flights may be permitted, subject to approval from aviation and health authorities.
The disease has now spread to neighboring provinces, North Kivu and South Kivu. Uganda, which borders Ituri, has also confirmed several cases.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on Friday that the situation in the DRC is “very concerning.” So far, 82 cases have been confirmed, with seven fatalities reported.
He noted that the actual numbers could be much higher, with approximately 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. As investigations and testing increase, these figures may change; however, violence and insecurity are hindering relief and control efforts.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health reported on Saturday that three new Ebola cases have emerged, bringing the confirmed total to five.
This outbreak is linked to the “Bundibugyo strain,” a rare type of Ebola first identified in Uganda in 2007. This strain is different from the “Zaire strain,” which has been responsible for previous large outbreaks in Congo. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential vaccines, but according to the WHO, availability may take several months.
Anice Legand, a technical officer for viral hemorrhagic fevers at the WHO, stated on Wednesday that while preparations for potential vaccine trials are underway, the immediate priority is to establish safe and effective treatment centers, ensure proper patient transport, and quickly identify and treat every suspected case.
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