The DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak was declared on May 15 after several deaths in Ituri, a mineral-rich northeastern province plagued by armed groups.
Cases of Ebola, which spreads through close contact and infected bodily fluids, have so far been found in five DRC provinces, as well as in neighbouring Uganda.
But more than 90% of cases are still being detected in Ituri, Ihekweazu said.
Just back from a week-long trip to the region, the doctor said the crisis remained “deeply concerning”.
The outbreak, which is caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, “continues to outpace the response efforts by the national authorities, international partners, including WHO, and the communities most affected”, he said.
“Perhaps the most alarming finding is that many newly reported cases are individuals who died in their communities, without ever reaching a health facility and receiving care.”
Ihekweazu nonetheless said he was encouraged to see a ramping up of the response.
“Treatment capacity now exceeds 700 beds and continues to increase each week; laboratory capacity has expanded dramatically … and contact follow-up rates are approaching 80 per cent,” he pointed out.
He noted that “over the last few days, we’ve seen some of the highest numbers of new infections in a single day”.
“A few days ago, we saw over 80 cases confirmed in a single day,” he said, adding, though, that this is actually “good news”, as it shows that fewer cases are escaping detection.
“It’s a sign of a maturing response”.
– AFP