The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that 80% of new Ebola infections in eastern Congo arise from transmission chains that have not been identified. It is the clearest sign that the outbreak is advancing faster than the ability of health teams to trace contacts.
“Perhaps the most alarming finding is that many of the recently reported deaths correspond to people who died in their communities, without ever reaching a health center,” said Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO’s director for emergencies, after visiting Bunia, one of the most affected cities in Ituri province.
Ihekweazu explained that patients who die outside the hospital system cannot be isolated nor can their contacts be traced, which accelerates the spread. “As of today, 80% of new cases are not on our contact lists,” he added.
Response exceeded
As of Monday, Congolese authorities reported at least 1,926 infections and 702 deaths in three provinces. Cases have also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain—for which there is no vaccine or approved treatment—began in May and was declared by the government on the 15th of that month, after weeks of silent spread.
The treatment capacity in Bunia is approaching 800 beds and the laboratories have increased from one to 14. However, Ihekweazu said: “Despite our best efforts, we have not managed to reach it in this race.”
Obstacles and strike
The response faces a funding gap, attacks on health facilities, armed conflict in eastern Congo and community distrust. On Monday, dozens of workers at a treatment center in the northeast went on strike over lack of pay. A day later they agreed to resume work on the condition of receiving payments within 72 hours.
“A single day of strike has already caused damage. Patients were unable to access the facility,” they said in a statement, warning that any loss of life would be the responsibility of the government if the facility closes.
Clinical trials of the treatment began last week. Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control reported on July 11 that a US citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the Congo tested positive for the virus. No further details were given.
