Bundibugyo virus outbreak intensifies in DRC, cases rise to 4,665- WHO

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

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

The statement said that the outbreak, now the largest Ebola outbreak reported in the country, has expanded 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.

“The affected provinces are Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo and Bas-Uélé, demonstrating the widening geographic spread.

“Bas-Uélé recently recorded its first confirmed case in Buta health zone, involving a person who travelled from Haut-Uélé,” it said.

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

It said that the rising infections, expanding geographic spread and high mortality have heightened concerns over the public health emergency.

“Insecurity, population displacement, mobility and cross-border movements are complicating response operations 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,” it said.

It said that WHO and Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) leaders have identified stronger surveillance and closer engagement with communities as key priorities following their missions to the DRC.

The statement said that the authorities are expanding treatment centres into more areas and training health and care workers to support the facilities.

According to it, France has recorded no secondary transmission after detecting an imported case on June 24 with 41 days passing without another confirmed case by August 14.

The statement said that in Uganda, the latest imported case was discharged on July 16, while the 42-day enhanced monitoring period is expected to end on August 27.

It added that Uganda remained at risk of re-introduction because of transmission in neighbouring DRC, while regional preparedness and prioritisation efforts continue across Africa.