WHO says Congo Ebola outbreak still expanding, not yet stabilised

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has not yet stabilised and continues to spread, with population movement identified as a major factor driving transmission.

Speaking on Tuesday, the WHO Representative in the DRC, Dr Anne Ancia, said the outbreak remains in its expansion phase despite ongoing efforts to contain the disease.

According to her, the country has confirmed 1,561 Ebola cases, including 506 deaths, in what is now the worst-ever outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no proven treatment or cure.

“It is still in the expansion phase, unfortunately. We would like to say it is stabilising, but frankly we cannot say it yet,” Ancia said.

She explained that Ebola treatment centres were coming under increasing pressure, with some facilities operating at about 90 per cent capacity.

The WHO official also expressed concern that infected workers in the mining town of Mongbwalu were avoiding treatment locally and travelling to other areas, thereby contributing to the spread of the disease.

According to Ancia, continued population movement, persistent insecurity and the fragile healthcare system remain major obstacles to controlling the outbreak.

“Population movements, persistent insecurity and the fragility of the health system continue to complicate efforts to bring the outbreak under control,” she said.

(Reuters/NAN)