- BIST10011,603-1.65%
- USD49.58+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.09%
- GOLD4,148.60+0.14%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN84,486+1.86%
- October 21, 202614°
- BIST10011,603-1.65%
- USD49.58+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.09%
- GOLD4,148.60+0.14%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN84,486+1.86%
- October 21, 202614°
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo: 1,274 cases, 360 deaths and Africa's fastest-spreading
Declared on May 15, the Ebola outbreak recorded 1,274 cases and 360 deaths in its first month, making it the fastest-spreading outbreak in Africa. WHO and Africa CDC warned of the risk of the outbreak spreading to 10 neighboring countries.
Outbreak spreading rapidly
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Ebola outbreak declared on May 15 in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has become the outbreak with the most cases in a month on the African continent.
According to WHO data, this outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the country since 1976. According to the latest data from the DR Congo Ministry of Health, 1,274 confirmed cases have been detected in the country, while the number of deaths has reached 360.
Outbreak control becoming difficult
While the epicenter of the outbreak remains Ituri province, cases have also been seen in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Although health teams continue contact tracing, the emergence of new cases indicates that the outbreak has not yet been brought under control.
WHO stated that the acceleration of the spread is influenced by late detection of initial cases, failure to seek medical help in time, security issues, and misconceptions about the disease in some areas. It was also stated that the activities of armed groups are hampering the work of health teams.
Risk could spread to 10 countries
WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warned of the risk of the infection crossing DR Congo's borders. It was noted that Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola and Kenya are particularly under threat.
Africa CDC emphasized that due to intense cross-border population movement, the outbreak poses a risk to at least 10 regional countries, and called for increased sanitary controls at borders, expanded laboratory capacity, and strengthened surveillance systems.
Lack of vaccine and treatment
So far, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. Experts emphasize that early diagnosis and supportive care are the most effective ways to increase survival rates.
History and impact of Ebola
The Ebola virus was first detected almost simultaneously in 1976 in what is now DR Congo and South Sudan. Since then, it has caused major outbreaks in Central and West African countries.
The largest outbreak occurred in West Africa in 2014-2016; more than 28,000 people were infected, and more than 11,000 died. In DR Congo, an outbreak recorded in the 2018-2020 period resulted in 3,481 cases and 2,299 deaths.
WHO estimates the average case fatality rate for Ebola at around 50%, but this rate can vary between 25% and 90% depending on the virus strain.
Transmission and symptoms
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people, contaminated objects, or contact with wild animals. Airborne transmission does not occur.
The incubation period of the disease ranges from 2 to 21 days. Main symptoms include high fever, weakness, muscle aches, headache and sore throat; in severe cases, vomiting, diarrhea and internal bleeding occur.
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
