Kinshasa: Doctors Without Borders warns that the Ebola outbreak in Congo is extremely worrying. Doctors Without Borders in France has warned that the rapid spread of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has created a deeply alarming situation, as no number of infections has been reported in such a short period of time before.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Alan Gonzalez, deputy director of Doctors Without Borders (M©decins Sans Fronti¨res - MSF), stated two weeks after the announcement of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), that the speed and scale of the outbreak were alarmingly rapid. He emphasized that never before had there been such a large number of infections reported so quickly. He stressed that MSF teams on the ground are facing the reality that current response measures are insufficient to keep up with the rapid spread of the Ebola virus. Efforts to control the disease and deliver humanitarian aid are being delayed due to several significant obstacles, including border and airport closures.
The statement by the deputy director of Doctors Without Borders came as Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), visited the epicenter of the outbreak in Bunia, Ituri Province, in eastern DRC, to oversee efforts to control the spread of the virus. During the visit, the WHO Director-General stated that the current Ebola outbreak is of the rare Bundibujo variant, and there is no approved vaccine or treatment. Early supportive care, including isolation, hydration, and pain relief, is crucial. Previously, he had called for an immediate ceasefire in the area, as officials are unable to isolate patients or build community confidence while fighting continues.
The DR Congo Ministry of Health reported that the number of suspected Ebola cases has exceeded 1,000, with at least 246 deaths. One-third of those infected with this variant are at risk of death. In Uganda, nine confirmed cases and one death have been reported.