Published on: 2026-05-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Early detection of Ebola cases and active participation of local communities in anti-epidemic measures are crucial for saving lives, while the effectiveness of new treatment methods and vaccines is still being analyzed. This was announced on Friday at the World Health Organization (WHO).
Two weeks after the detection of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), WHO reports about 906 suspected infected cases, including 223 deaths that may be linked to the virus. As of May 28, the country had registered 125 confirmed disease cases, including 17 fatalities, in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Meanwhile, analysis of suspected cases continues.
Seven cases of infection have been confirmed in Uganda, including one fatal case. Three cases were imported from the DRC, the rest are linked to contacts of infected individuals. WHO emphasizes that signs of community transmission of the infection in Uganda have not yet been detected.
UN agencies are providing support to DR Congo and neighboring Uganda in the fight against the spread of the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, which is transmitted through close contact with an infected person. WHO recommends that people who may have been exposed to infection in the affected area refrain from traveling, but at this stagedoes not consider it necessary to introduce restrictionson international trips or trade with the DR Congo and Uganda.
Early detection saves lives
According to WHO viral hemorrhagic fever specialist Anais Legand, people become infected while trying to help relatives with symptoms of the disease, so families should be explained that they must not touch sick relatives.
Speaking today at a briefing in Geneva, Legan emphasized the importance of prevention and timely seeking of medical assistance. According to data from previous outbreaks, the mortality rate from this virus strain ranges from 30 to 50 percent.
“Five out of ten patients can die. This is a very high rate,” she noted.
Along with that, the expert emphasized that the chances of recovery can be increased through proper intensive treatment and early diagnosis. According to her, it is necessary to help people recognize symptoms at an early stage so that they can receive timely necessary assistance. Legan provided a recent example from the DRC, where a patient fully recovered and was discharged from the hospital.
In the WHO, they also remind that stopping the spread of Ebola is only possible with the active participation of local communities.
Vaccines and treatment are still under evaluation
VOZ gathered experts to study possible methods of treatment and vaccines against the virus.
For clinical trials as potential treatment agents, three drugs were selected: monoclonal antibodies MBP-134 and maftivimab, as well as the antiviral drug remdesivir.
As a preventive measure for people who have been in contact with infected individuals, the use of the antiviral drug obeldesivir is planned to be studied.
In addition, for further evaluation, two potential vaccines have been identified. WHO is working with the governments of DRC and Uganda to study the effectiveness of these medical products, while simultaneously increasing treatment capacity in the affected area.
The conflict complicates the fight against the outbreak
According to a representative of WHO, the outbreak is developing under extremely complex conditions. Only in the province of Ituri, which has become the epicenter of the virus’ spread, humanitarian aid is needed by 1.2 million people.
Armed conflict and food shortages seriously complicate the work of medical services.
“The problem lies not so much in the lack of resources as in the lack of access,” emphasized Legan.
She noted that the airport of the city of Bunié, the administrative center of Ituri province, is closed. Although the DRC authorities allowed humanitarian flights, serious operational difficulties arise. In particular, one of the problems remains the shortage of fuel.
On the eve of his visit to the DRC, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesuscalled on armed groups to declare a ceasefire, so that medical workers could reach those in need and stop the spread of the disease.
On Thursday, Tedros arrived in DR Congo together with the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Moetamed Djanabi, and the WHO Executive Director for Emergency Situations in the field of health, Chikwe Ihekweazu.
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