DRC Ebola outbreak could have begun as early as January, WHO chief says
Summary
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) may have started as early as January, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) chief. The response has been slowed by travel bans, mistrust in communities, and challenges in tracking people who had contact with Ebola patients.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak was officially detected in mid-May but might have started months earlier.
- So far, there have been 344 confirmed Ebola cases and 60 deaths in the DRC, and 15 cases with one death in Uganda.
- Travel restrictions by some countries, including the US, are causing problems by disrupting supplies and response efforts.
- Only about 45% of contacts of Ebola patients are being followed up; the goal is to track over 90%.
- Insecurity and displacement in the region make it hard to trace contacts and control the outbreak.
- The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently has no vaccine or treatment, but some patients have recovered with hospital care.
- The UK has launched a research network to support rapid advice and evidence on Ebola and other health crises.
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