Ebola Had Big Head Start, WHO Chief Says as Cases Rise in DRC and Uganda
5 verified9 unconfirmed1 contested
The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned Wednesday that the Ebola outbreak in central Africa had a “big head start” and that health authorities are still behind. Speaking after a visit to Ituri Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, Tedros said the response was catching up but needed to move faster. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. In the DRC, 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak was identified in mid-May. The virus has also spread to neighboring Uganda. Tedros said the outbreak could have begun as early as January, giving it a significant head start.
What’s verified
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the Ebola outbreak had a “big head start” and health authorities remain behind the virus.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no available vaccine or treatment.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there have been 344 confirmed Ebola cases and 60 deaths.
The outbreak was identified in mid-May but could have begun as early as January, according to WHO.
Tedros recently visited Ituri Province in eastern DRC, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Where accounts differ
The number of suspected Ebola cases in the DRC differs between sources. One report states the figure fell abruptly from more than 1,000 to 116. Another report states the number declined from 906 to 166.
Not yet confirmed
The number of confirmed Ebola cases and deaths in Uganda came from a single report, which said 15 confirmed cases and one death.
The percentage of contacts being traced (45%) and the target of above 90% came from a single report.
Whether blanket travel restrictions by the U.S. are hindering the response was mentioned by only one source.
Details about community mistrust, including that some community leaders did not believe Ebola is real, came from a single report.
The first identified case being a nurse on April 24 came from a single report.
The recovery of six patients in DRC and two in Uganda came from a single report.
Information about a U.S. quarantine facility being built in Kenya, related court orders, and comments from Kenya’s health minister came from a single report.
A new UK multi-hazard research network on emerging diseases was mentioned in only one source.
None of the sources answer how the outbreak initially started or why the Bundibugyo strain is spreading without a vaccine.
Key figures
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization
Aden Duale, Kenya’s Health Minister (mentioned in one source)
Sources: The Guardian, dw.com
