The World Health Organization reports the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is spreading faster than health workers can contain it, with more than 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths linked to the Bundibugyo strain.
WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The national risk assessment for the DRC has been upgraded from high to very high, with neighboring Uganda-where five cases and one death have been confirmed-at especially high risk.
Efforts are being severely hampered in the troubled eastern DRC by intense community distrust of outside authorities. Two treatment centers were recently set on fire in the region, which has seen intense fighting displace over 100,000 people. WHO officials say misinformation campaigns on social media are slowing case investigations and limiting healthcare teams' ability to reach affected communities.
Strict burial protocols for suspected Ebola victims have sparked anger. Authorities have banned funeral wakes involving more than 50 people in northeast DRC, with armed soldiers and police guarding burials. WHO is working with traditional leaders to improve community engagement and safety for health workers.
No approved vaccines or therapeutics exist for the Bundibugyo virus, despite outbreaks spanning nearly 20 years. WHO has released $3.9 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to scale up operations, including contact tracing, treatment centers, laboratory capacity, and risk communication.