The latest outbreak of the deadly disease, declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), is spreading at a pace that outstrips containment efforts.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the outbreak, the WHO has elevated its national risk assessment from high to very high. Neighboring countries, such as Uganda, are identified as being at particularly high risk, with five cases and one death confirmed in Uganda.
Treatment Centers in Eastern DRC Targeted by Arson Attacks
However, efforts in eastern DRC, an area plagued by ongoing insecurity, are being hampered by mistrust of external authorities among the local population. This distrust significantly increases the risk of disease transmission.
In recent days, two treatment centers were set on fire in the region, which has seen intense fighting and the displacement of over 100,000 people.
Marie Roseline Belizaire, WHO Africa Emergency Response Director, informed UN News that the attacks are linked to misinformation campaigns circulating on social media. She stated that these campaigns are considerably slowing down case investigations and limiting the ability of health teams to reach affected communities.
Anger Over Ebola Burial Rules
Strict protocols surrounding the burial of suspected Ebola victims have fueled public anger. In northeastern DRC, funeral gatherings involving over 50 people have been prohibited by authorities, with armed soldiers and police guarding burial operations conducted by health workers.
According to Dr. Belizaire, the WHO is working with local traditional leaders and healers to intensify community engagement and enhance the safety of external health workers.
Families of victims are permitted to say goodbye to their loved ones, but they are not allowed to touch the body to prevent virus transmission. “We offer protective equipment so that the family can help place their loved one in the burial bag and pray,” Dr. Belizaire explained.
No Approved Vaccine
Despite outbreaks occurring for nearly two decades, there is still no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo virus.
The WHO has recommended prioritizing two antibodies in clinical trials and evaluating the antiviral obeldesivir as a treatment for high-risk contacts in clinical trials.
The UN health agency is urgently scaling up field operations. These include contact tracing, establishing treatment centers, strengthening laboratory capacity, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement. Approximately $3.9 million has been released from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies to finance these measures.
