Bundibugyo virus outbreak worsens in DRC, cases reach 4,665 – WHO

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The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has entered an intense transmission phase, with cases spreading rapidly across six provinces.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO), in a statement on Saturday, noted that as of Wednesday, DRC reported 4,665 confirmed cases and 2,184 deaths, representing a case fatality ratio of 46.8 per cent.

According to the statement, the outbreak, now the largest Ebola outbreak reported in the country, has spread from Mongbwalu health zone to 54 health zones across six provinces.

“Initially confined to Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, the outbreak has expanded to 54 health zones across six provinces,” it said.

The affected provinces are Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, and Bas-Uélé, illustrating the expanding geographic spread.

Bas-Uélé recently reported its first confirmed case in Buta health zone, involving a person who travelled from Haut-Uélé.

According to the statement, the outbreak reached its highest weekly numbers during epidemiological week 32, with 579 cases and 304 deaths reported.

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It stated that increasing infections, wider geographical spread, and high death rates have intensified concerns about the public health emergency.

Insecurity, population displacement, mobility, and cross-border movements are complicating response efforts and increasing the risk of further spread.

“DRC authorities, working with WHO and partners, are implementing extensive response measures while scaling up activities to contain transmission,” WHO said.

WHO and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have prioritised enhanced surveillance and increased engagement with communities following their missions to the DRC.

The statement noted that the authorities are expanding treatment centres into more areas and training healthcare workers to support the facilities.

Imported cases

WHO stated that France had not recorded any secondary transmission after the detection of an imported case on 24 June.

As of 14 August, 41 days have passed without any additional confirmed cases in the country.

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In Uganda, the most recent imported case was discharged on 16 July, with a 42-day enhanced monitoring period expected to end on 27 August.

WHO, however, said Uganda remains at risk of another imported case because of ongoing transmission in neighbouring DRC.

Regional preparedness and response efforts continue across Africa as authorities work to prevent further cross-border spread. (NAN)