Geneva: Infections of the Bundibugyo species of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have surged to unprecedented levels, with the majority of new cases emerging from unidentified transmission chains, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday. This alarming development marks the third-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, with the virus extending beyond its initial outbreak area. According to United Nations, the outbreak's significance is underscored by the fact that most new infections stem from unknown transmission chains, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and global support. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO's Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director, reported nearly 2,000 confirmed cases and over 700 deaths across five provinces as of 11 July. The outbreak has shown the fastest growth in a single month since it began, with some of the highest daily infection rates recorded, including over 80 cases confirmed in just 24 hours. Dr. Ihekweazu expressed concern over the many newly reported deaths of individuals who died in their communities without accessing healthcare. Despite advancements in diagnostics and high contact follow-up rates, 80 percent of new cases are outside known contact lists, indicating unknown transmission chains. WHO's modeling suggests the outbreak's scale could be two to four times larger than reported. The virus, originally concentrated in Ituri Province, has now spread to Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces. WHO's response strategy involves continuing efforts in Ituri while mapping travel routes to identify potential new cases. Dr. Ihekweazu called for sustained international support, emphasizing that ongoing efforts are yielding results. Therapeutic trials are underway, though no approved treatment exists for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola. Early supportive care significantly improves survival chances. Dr. Ihekweazu stressed the importance of early case identification to reduce community transmission. Addressing recent attacks on healthcare workers and facilities, Dr. Ihekweazu emphasized transparency in care provision and building community confidence in new facilities. He urged global collaboration to combat Ebola, highlighting the WHO Pandemic Agreement's role in ensuring rapid sharing of pathogen information and equitable access to vaccines and treatments for developing countries.
