Ebola Outbreak in DRC May Be More Severe Than Reported, Says IRC
The International Rescue Committee warns that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is likely much worse than official data indicates, with considerable challenges in response efforts.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is believed to be significantly underestimated, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The organization reported on Monday that response activities are hampered by delayed detection and low contact tracing capabilities.
Currently, the DRC Ministry of Health has over 1,000 suspected cases and more than 200 estimated deaths from the outbreak. Confirmed cases stand at 282, with 42 deaths. The IRC suggested that the virus may have been spreading unnoticed as early as two to three months before the epidemic was officially declared in mid-May. Only about 20% of contacts are currently being traced, complicating efforts to manage and isolate new transmission chains.
At least nine traveling cases have been identified in Uganda, including one death, raising concerns about potential further spread to neighboring countries such as Burundi or South Sudan. Rachel Howard, senior technical emergency health advisor at the IRC, stated that shortages of diagnostic cartridges and testing delays are obscuring the true extent of the outbreak.
Howard reported that at least six healthcare workers, including two doctors recently, have succumbed to the virus, exacerbating the crisis. Many people are reportedly avoiding health facilities due to fears, which increases the risk of unreported cases remaining within communities. The situation echoes previous outbreaks, notably the 2018-2020 North Kivu outbreak, which resulted in over 3,400 infections and 2,200 deaths, although there is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo virus responsible for this outbreak.
To address the crisis, CEPI is working to expedite the development of three potential vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo virus, which are being created by IAVI, Moderna, and the University of Oxford. The IRC has called for urgent international assistance to enhance contact tracing, surveillance, and treatment efforts, emphasizing the need to build trust with affected communities through survivor-led education initiatives.
