Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) have reported that new Ebola cases are being detected daily in different health zones across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), indicating a significantly larger outbreak than initially estimated. Dr. Olivier le Polain, WHO’s Head of Epidemiology and Analytics, noted, “High population mobility in this region is also contributing to the spread of the epidemic.”
In the approximately three weeks since the rapid spread was confirmed, DRC health authorities have recorded 676 cases and 136 deaths attributed to the rare and deadly Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Infections have been identified across an area spanning roughly 1,000 kilometers, from Aru in the northern Ituri province to Miti Murhesa in South Kivu. Dr. le Polain added, “As of yesterday, 29 health zones were affected, and these zones continue to expand. New cases were also reported in North Kivu yesterday.”
Authorities battling the outbreak have highlighted that many children in the region suffer from malnutrition and have not been vaccinated against preventable diseases. This situation leaves children highly vulnerable to illness in a region rich in resources but already facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflict.
Households Targeted
While most cases have so far involved adults, an increase in household transmission is anticipated as the epidemic progresses. Dr. Douglas Noble, UNICEF’s Global Lead for Health Emergencies and Ebola Global Incident Manager, warned this could lead to more children being affected. “These children are already very vulnerable, so the community’s capacity to absorb additional stressors was already at its limit,” Dr. Noble stated, also noting that over half of children under five in Ituri province suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Zero-Dose Vaccinations
More than one-fifth of children under five fall into the “zero-dose” category, meaning they have not received even the first dose of vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Estimating the number of children who could be affected is challenging due to a lack of sufficient surveillance data.
However, past Ebola outbreaks have shown that children constitute a significant proportion of cases and an even larger share of deaths, with the youngest facing the highest mortality rates and often being orphaned or separated from caregivers. UNICEF has dispatched over 100 tons of emergency humanitarian aid via eight cargo planes to the DRC, supported by the European Union, with a goal to assist 3.7 million people. This aid includes personal protective equipment for health workers, medicines, hygiene supplies, and medical consumables.
‘Schools Can Remain Open’
Although Ebola can be deadly, its transmission differs significantly from COVID-19, primarily spreading through bodily fluids. UNICEF officials emphasize that children who can attend school should continue their education. “There is no reason to close schools. Infection prevention and control measures should be implemented, and education provided in schools for teachers, staff, and children,” a UNICEF official stated.
Unlike the Ebola-Zaire strains, there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine specific to the Bundibugyo virus. Dr. le Polain stressed the need for increased support for surveillance efforts to control transmission. “We are just over 70% in contact tracing. This is a great improvement from a week or two ago, but it is still too low to ensure adequate control,” he said.
Enhancing local testing capacity is also crucial in overcoming the health threat. A WHO official mentioned that one testing laboratory in Beni conducted 500 tests on Thursday alone, which will provide clarity on the scale of the outbreak in Beni.
UNICEF has deployed more than 1,600 community health workers and mobilization agents, along with 24 disinfection teams, reaching over 160,000 households. “We can protect children from the worst of this outbreak. Rapid detection, strong pediatric care, contact tracing, and informed, engaged communities can help bring this epidemic under control. What we need now are resources, humanitarian access, and trusted communities to succeed,” Dr. Noble concluded.
