The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed alarm over the “scale and speed” of a rare Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, where suspected deaths have risen sharply to at least 134, with more than 500 suspected cases reported.
Health experts said the virus spread undetected for weeks after the first recorded death as tests initially targeted the more common Ebola strain and returned negative results. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or treatments.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said 69 patients had received treatment since the outbreak began. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced deep concern, citing urban transmission, deaths among healthcare workers and high population movement, and said an emergency committee would meet.
Authorities have yet to identify “patient zero.” Cases have been confirmed in Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Nyakunde and Butembo. Delays in testing, including false negatives, hampered early response efforts.
Aid groups including Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross are assisting, while the outbreak has heightened fears in a region already facing displacement and insecurity.