On May 15, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease has begun in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province. In previous outbreaks, the virus has killed between 25-90% of those infected. Africa CDC said that there were about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far. Lab tests of a small number of patient samples have confirmed that the pathogen is an Ebola virus.
While two vaccines for Ebola are available, they only protect against Zaire strains of the virus. Africa CDC reports that preliminary genetic testing suggests this strain is a different variety, for which there is no vaccine. More information is expected within 24 hours.
Ituri province is known for its mines and shares borders with South Sudan and Uganda. Africa CDC said they were convening an urgent meeting among local governments and other parties to coordinate disease surveillance and planning. In the press release, they raised concerns that the virus may spread within the region and beyond, citing the highly mobile local population, insecurity in the local area,and other challenges.
“Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC in a prepared statement. “Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential.”
Read More: Dr. Jean Kaseya: How Peace in the DRC Can Prevent the Next Global Epidemic
Public-health experts from Imperial College London, in a Q&A posted on the university’s website, said that if the suspected case numbers are confirmed, this would suggest there has been transmission for several weeks already, with late detection. “In addition, if it is confirmed that this is not the Zaire species, this could be potentially challenging to control,” the statement said. Already, the suspected case numbers would make this the second-largest non-Zaire strain Ebola outbreak in history.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation, a foundation that organizes and supports efforts to produce treatments and vaccines for deadly outbreaks, said in a prepared statement that they were standing by to provide research and development help if needed, including facilitating clinical trials. “This outbreak is yet another reminder that disease risks are ever present and growing,” the statement continued. It has only been around five months since the last Ebola outbreak in DRC, which involved the Zaire strain, was declared over.
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