The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has created a “deeply alarming” situation, according to the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
MSF deputy director Dr Alan Gonzales said that never before had so many cases been recorded so quickly after an outbreak was declared, warning that response efforts are struggling to keep pace with the outbreak’s rapid expansion.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited the worst-affected region of Ituri to assess containment efforts and support ongoing response operations.
More than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and at least 246 deaths have now been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed additional infections and fatalities.
Health officials say containment efforts are being hampered by logistical challenges, delayed testing, and ongoing regional instability, which are complicating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
