WHO says Ebola outbreak in DR Congo began months before official declaration

The World Health Organization warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began in February, three months before it was officially declared on May 15. Health officials say more than 4,200 cases have been confirmed and 1,960 people have died, making it the second-largest Ebola epidemic on record.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is centered in the eastern part of the country, where insecurity has limited response efforts. WHO Africa director Dr. Mohamed Janabi told a news conference in Bunia that health workers are reaching only about 30% of patients, with many dying at home, and that traditional burial practices and community mistrust are hindering control measures.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific therapeutic drug for the Bundibugyo strain, complicating treatment. Nevertheless, several dedicated treatment centres have been established in the east, and diagnosis times have improved.

The previous largest Ebola epidemic occurred in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, resulting in 11,325 deaths.