The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains far from being contained, with a continued risk of international spread.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said nearly 5,000 people had been infected and more than 2,300 had died across six provinces and 55 health zones. He described it as the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded and the fastest-spreading so far.
Tedros said insecurity, displacement and population movements through roads, rivers and mining routes were contributing to the spread. He expressed concern that some people were dying at home or in their communities without being identified by health authorities, potentially leaving hidden transmission chains.
He said the virus had already crossed international borders, noting that a traveller recently carried it to France, while Uganda had successfully stopped transmission following an initial spillover. WHO, Africa CDC and partners are strengthening surveillance, treatment, safe burials and community engagement under the leadership of the DRC government.
Two vaccines specifically developed against the Bundibugyo virus have entered human trials, while a WHO-sponsored treatment trial has enrolled 100 patients. Tedros called for faster information sharing, stronger surveillance, sustained funding and improved security and access to affected communities.
He urged neighbouring countries to strengthen coordination and warned that the Ebola response must not undermine essential health services addressing diseases such as malaria, cholera and pneumonia.
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