Congo plagued by 16th Ebola outbreak in half a century

The UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this month that the highly contagious and deadly Ebola virus has sparked an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the country’s 16th encounter with the disease in the past 50 years.

So far, 16 people have died in the south-central province of Kasai, where the outbreak is currently limited, with dozens more infected, according to an article by The Economist. However, the actual toll is likely higher, particularly because there was a delay between the first death on August 25 and the confirmation that Ebola was the cause.

The virus typically kills 50-90% of those infected within days, which is why experts stress the importance of quickly isolating the sick and safely handling the bodies of victims, since “people can contract the disease through contact with the bodies of victims.”

Despite the dangers, experts remain cautiously optimistic about containing the current outbreak. The remote location of Kasai is a factor, and early assessments suggest a relatively low fatality rate, with just over half of known patients succumbing even before clinics have been established. In earlier outbreaks, nearly all who fell ill died.

Furthermore, Congo’s repeated experience with Ebola has improved its response over time. “Besides better logistics and medical capacity, it now has access to new antibody treatments that can reverse the disease’s progress and help with recovery,” the article cites experts.

Kasai is also not currently a site of major armed conflict. Additionally, an effective vaccine is now available. Previously, it was either unavailable or still experimental during past deadly outbreaks. WHO is transporting 2,000 vaccine doses from Kinshasa to Kasai, along with medical specialists, protective equipment, and $2 million from its emergency fund.

Fighting Ebola without USAID

Despite these advances, Congo’s health system is overburdened. The government is already struggling with mpox and cholera outbreaks elsewhere. Kasai’s nearest isolation center has only 15 beds, insufficient for a large outbreak.

It is also the first Ebola outbreak Congo is facing without US assistance. “We really used to rely on the US,” says Dr. Patrick Otim, an epidemiologist managing WHO’s Ebola response.

Previously, the US Agency for International Development provided mobile labs, planes, and expertise for investigations and equipment delivery. Now, Dr. Otim and colleagues must seek support elsewhere, which takes time.

The Economist concludes that Ebola is likely to return to Congo even if the current outbreak is contained. Fruit bats, the virus’s probable carriers, inhabit the dense forests, where many Congolese rely on hunting or farming, increasing the risk of human exposure.