Ebola may be spreading faster than first thought, WHO doctor warns

A World Health Organization (WHO) representative has issued a warning that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is potentially spreading more rapidly than previously assessed. This alarming situation has resulted in at least 131 fatalities.

Dr. Anne Ancia communicated to the BBC that ongoing investigations by the agency are revealing a clearer picture of how far the cases have proliferated into other regions.

As of Tuesday, health officials have reported over 513 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with one confirmed fatality reported in Uganda.

However, a recent modeling study from the London-based MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis released on Monday raises serious concerns about significant under-reporting of cases, indicating that the actual number may already exceed 1,000.

The findings highlight that the current outbreak is likely “larger than currently ascertained” and that its “true magnitude remains uncertain.”

The Red Cross cautioned that the Ebola virus has the potential to escalate swiftly if cases are not promptly identified, communities remain uninformed, and health systems become overwhelmed, noting that “we are witnessing all those conditions” in the ongoing outbreak.

In response, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi urged citizens to maintain a sense of “calm” and to stay vigilant, following a crisis meeting convened on Monday evening.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who declared the outbreak a global health emergency last week, expressed grave concern regarding the rapid spread and scale of the epidemic.

There are growing fears that the outbreak could have been in circulation for several weeks prior to its initial detection on April 24.

Currently, there is no vaccine specifically available for the strain of the Ebola virus responsible for the recent surge in cases. The WHO is actively evaluating the potential use of other medications that may offer some level of protection.

Dr. Ancia noted during her interview with the BBC World Service that the Ituri province of DR Congo, which serves as the outbreak's epicenter, is a region characterized by significant insecurity and high population mobility, complicating the agency’s efforts to investigate and contain the disease.

She further remarked, "The more we investigate this outbreak, the more we realize that it has already disseminated, at least to some extent, across borders and into other provinces."

The outbreak has also reached South Kivu province, where the population has long been affected by a humanitarian crisis. Additionally, a case has been detected in Goma, the largest city in eastern DR Congo, home to approximately 850,000 residents, which is currently under the influence of Rwandan-backed rebel groups.

The high levels of insecurity present in multiple provinces facilitate frequent movement among residents, thereby heightening the risk of the virus’s spread, according to Dr. Ancia.

In response to the situation, several neighboring African countries are enhancing border screening protocols and preparing healthcare facilities. Rwanda has temporarily closed its borders with DR Congo, while Uganda has advised its citizens to refrain from physical greetings such as hugging and shaking hands.

An American citizen, identified as missionary doctor Peter Stafford, is being evacuated from DR Congo after exhibiting symptoms over the weekend.

Germany’s health ministry confirmed to the BBC that an American national is being transported to the country for medical treatment.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently coordinating the evacuation of at least six additional Americans who may have been exposed to the virus.

The WHO, along with various agencies, is collaborating with governments and local communities to combat the virus's transmission, emphasizing the importance of adhering to preventative measures and reporting any symptoms to nearby health facilities.

What is Ebola and how does it spread?

Ebola is caused by a virus that initially presents symptoms similar to influenza, including fever, headaches, and fatigue.

As the illness progresses, it can lead to severe symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and ultimately may cause organ failure. Notably, while some patients may experience internal and external bleeding, not all affected individuals do.

Transmission of the virus occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood and saliva.

The Bundibugyo strain driving this recent rise in cases is considered rare, having previously been responsible for only two outbreaks, with a mortality rate of about one-third among those who were infected.

During the period from 2014 to 2016, Ebola infected over 28,600 individuals in West Africa, marking the largest outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.

This outbreak originated from the Zaire strain, which does have an authorized vaccine.

The disease spread across multiple nations in West Africa and beyond, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy, resulting in 11,325 fatalities.