According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 percent of new Ebola cases spreading in Eastern Congo are linked to unknown transmission chains. Despite large-scale measures being implemented, the epidemic is developing faster than the level of monitoring by medical personnel.
Since May, an unusual strain of the Ebola virus has been observed in Congo, for which there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine. The Africa Centre for Disease Control reports that this is the fastest-developing Ebola outbreak on the continent.
A WHO representative told the Associated Press that as of today, 80 percent of new cases are outside the contact list, indicating transmission through unknown routes.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the number of Ebola victims has reached 600 people. According to data from the country's Ministry of Health, the total number of confirmed cases is 1,759.
The situation is causing growing alarm as suspicious cases are now being detected even in regions where the disease was not previously reported. Specifically, two suspected Ebola infections have been identified in the city of Kisangani, which is the center of the Tshopo province in the north of the country. One case is linked to the outbreak in Ituri province, while the other has no connection to existing hotspots.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the virus is spreading rapidly due to issues related to population migration and security. Furthermore, some treatment centers are operating at near capacity. The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of medical personnel, as doctors and nurses claim they have not received salaries for several months since the epidemic was declared. A lack of protective equipment and harsh working conditions are also sources of discontent. Officials stated that measures are being taken to address these problems.
Experts emphasized that this epidemic is associated with the 'Bundibugyo' virus strain, and currently, there is no approved vaccine or effective treatment for this pathogen. Consequently, scientists began initial clinical trials against the disease last week and intensified research aimed at containing the spread of the virus.
