WHO: Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rise to over 5,000, with more than 2,000 deaths

Geneva, August 18 (KUNA) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday that the number of Ebola virus cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had surpassed 5,000, with the death toll rising to more than 2,000, marking “one of the fastest-spreading outbreaks in modern history.”

Speaking via video link from Bunia during a press conference in Geneva, Terno Baldé, WHO’s DRC Ebola Response Manager, stated that the outbreak now spans six provinces, with new cases reported in another province. He warned that population movements, the transport of patients and deceased bodies, as well as the deteriorating security situation, have accelerated the spread of infection to new areas.

Baldé added that humanitarian response teams face increasing security risks, citing an attack on an ambulance belonging to the response operations in Bunia, as well as repeated attacks on health workers and facilities.

He confirmed that the DRC Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, is expanding the response to match the speed of the outbreak’s spread. This includes engaging motorcycle taxi associations involved in transporting patients and deceased bodies, alongside women’s associations, and political and administrative leaders, with the aim of enhancing surveillance and multi-sectoral community response.

Baldé noted that WHO has deployed 100 epidemiologists to be stationed across health zones, supported by more than 500 local health workers, to trace contacts, detect cases as quickly as possible, and ensure the prompt transfer of infected individuals to health centers for treatment.

The official highlighted that the humanitarian response faces significant challenges in reaching affected populations, particularly those in camps, where some lack access to water, food, and sanitation services. He called on the international community to strengthen response efforts.

He warned that security challenges are hindering response teams’ access to certain areas, emphasizing the need to provide adequate resources and security measures for health workers. (End) A.M.K. / M.A.K.