WHO Warns of Rapidly Spreading Ebola in DRC

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the Ebola epidemic caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), stating it is spreading at an “unprecedented speed.” As of August 16, there have been 4,945 confirmed infections and 2,325 deaths across six provinces. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the outbreak is the second-largest ever recorded and is progressing faster than any previous Ebola epidemic.

He noted that many deaths are occurring outside formal health systems, complicating efforts to control transmission. The outbreak is exacerbated by insecurity, population displacement, and movement along roads and rivers.

Tedros highlighted that the virus has reached Europe, indicating international risks. Two Bundibugyo-specific vaccines are being tested, with one having entered Phase I trials in July.

The WHO continues to face challenges in contact tracing due to a significant number of new cases arising outside monitored contacts.