The World Health Organization (WHO), the UN’s health agency, stressed on Friday that early diagnosis and community mobilization are crucial for saving lives, even as potential treatments and vaccines are still under evaluation. The WHO announced it has been supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda since May 15 to control an outbreak caused by a rare, contact-transmitted strain of the Ebola virus known as Bundibugyo.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, WHO technical officer Anaïs Legand described the disease as one that can be contracted by helping a loved one, such as a spouse, partner, child, or mother. She warned that families and friends must be cautioned against touching sick relatives, even with the intention of helping.
Mortality Risk Ranges from 30% to 50%
Legand highlighted the vital importance of prevention and early access to care against this particularly deadly disease. Based on previous outbreaks, she stated that the fatality rate ranges “from 30% to 50%,” which is “enormous.” The WHO expert noted that while “five out of 10 people will likely die,” more can be done to promote recovery. “We can scale up optimized intensive care. We can support communities to recognize symptoms early and get diagnosed early, so they receive the level of care they need,” she added. Legand emphasized that experiences have shown Ebola outbreaks can only be controlled when communities are fully involved, citing a recent case in the DRC where a patient fully recovered and was discharged.
Detection Efforts
The WHO has convened experts to review potential treatments and vaccines against the virus, with several products identified for further assessment. Legand revealed that for confirmed cases, three candidates are prioritized for clinical trials: monoclonal antibodies MBP 134 and maftivimab, and the antiviral remdesivir. For prevention, the oral antiviral obeldesivir is prioritized in a clinical study as post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases. The WHO expert also mentioned that two vaccine candidates have been identified for evaluation when doses become available. The organization stated it is working in close collaboration with the governments of the DRC and Uganda, while also urgently scaling up their care capacity.
Access Challenges
Legand noted that the current outbreak is occurring in a very complex context, with 1.2 million people in the affected Ituri province alone needing humanitarian assistance. Ongoing conflict and food insecurity are hindering interventions. “The problem we are facing on the ground is not necessarily a resource problem. It is an access problem,” she stressed. The airport in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, is closed, and although the DRC government has permitted humanitarian flights, operational constraints persist. Legand recounted receiving a call one day from her team stating there was no fuel.
Tedros on the Ground
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in the DRC on Friday. He told reporters in the capital, Kinshasa, that he was there to show the community is “not alone.” Ghebreyesus called for a ceasefire among the numerous armed groups operating in the war-torn eastern region, enabling health workers to reach those in need and halt the spread of the disease. The DRC notified the WHO of the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak on May 15. As of Thursday, 125 confirmed cases and 17 deaths had been reported in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Additionally, there are 906 suspected cases under investigation and over 223 deaths, as testing capacity has increased. In Uganda, seven confirmed cases and one death were recorded as of Thursday. The WHO stated there is no evidence of community transmission in the country at this stage.
No Travel Restrictions for Now
While individuals from affected areas who may have been exposed to Ebola are advised not to travel, the UN health agency does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions with the DRC or Uganda based on current information.
