WHO Races to Contain Rare Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) is racing to contain an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its chief acknowledging the response is trying to catch up to a virus that had a “big head-start.” The outbreak, declared on May 15 in the conflict-ridden Ituri province, has so far resulted in 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths in the DRC, with over 1,100 suspected cases reported. The virus has also spread to neighbouring Uganda, where 15 cases and one death have been confirmed. One case involved a Congolese resident who had travelled to the United Arab Emirates, prompting international contact tracing efforts.

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The World Health Organisation's chief has acknowledged that the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is "still behind" a virus that had a "big head-start." Confirmed cases have risen to 359 with 61 deaths, alongside 116 suspected cases. The WHO highlighted significant gaps in the response, noting that only around 45 percent of known contacts of Ebola patients are being followed up.

The WHO has urged countries to lift "blanket travel restrictions," warning that such measures are disrupting supply chains and hindering containment efforts. The organisation is also working with authorities in Uganda and the UAE to trace contacts of a patient who travelled between the countries.