Officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have confirmed a significant Ebola outbreak impacting North and South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. The latest figures indicate 1,003 cumulative confirmed cases and 254 cumulative deaths. Neighboring Uganda has reported 19 cases, all linked to the DRC, with no new cases since June 5.
This outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no licensed vaccines or treatments are available. This strain has been identified in only three outbreaks since 2007. Contact tracing, a crucial tool for limiting the virus’s spread, has achieved follow-up with only 58% of identified case contacts in the DRC.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated the outbreak’s case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 26%. Previous Bundibugyo outbreaks in Uganda and the DRC in 2007 and 2012 had CFRs of 30% and 50%, respectively. The WHO notes that the current CFR is likely an underestimate, as many deaths occurring before the official outbreak declaration are still under investigation. The outbreak was declared on May 15 but is believed to have begun earlier.
Displacement Camp Sees High Mortality
In the Kigonze displacement camp in Bunia, at least 30 individuals have died from suspected Ebola since May. This camp, which can house up to 15,000 people, faces a high risk of devastation from the virus. Reports indicate that pregnant women and young children are among the deceased, and the camp is already grappling with overcrowded conditions and inadequate sanitation.
The WHO has highlighted the complex humanitarian context, with mobile and displaced populations often lacking basic services like food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. This situation amplifies the risk to residents in overcrowded displacement camps. The United Nations estimates that 320,000 refugees reside in areas vulnerable to Ebola in the DRC.
Second Suspected Case in Israel
Israel is investigating a second suspected case of Ebola in an individual who recently returned from the DRC. The patient is currently receiving testing and treatment at Tel Aviv’s Sheba Medical Center. This follows a similar announcement last week regarding another man suspected of contracting the virus during a trip to the DRC, who was sent for testing at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.