Ebola transmission in DR Congo remains active: WHO

Ebola transmission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has remained active in more than three-quarters of all health zones affected since the start of the outbreak in May, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Africa regional office said in a situation report Wednesday, as the cumulative caseload neared 10,000.

The disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain has affected eight provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo, South-Ubangi and North Ubangi.

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Congo has surpassed 9,600, including 4,646 deaths since the outbreak was declared, according to WHO data.

Of the 66 health zones affected to date, 50, or 75.8%, reported at least one new confirmed case during the most recent 21 days, the report showed.

Ituri continues to account for the largest proportion of cumulative confirmed cases at 72.7%, while substantial transmission persists in North Kivu and Haut-Uele.

The most recent seven-day moving average indicates a modest upward trend, suggesting renewed intensification of transmission, the report said.

WHO said the outbreak is becoming increasingly challenging, marked by an expanding cluster of cases linked to the imported index case in Kenya and the confirmation of a case in Nigeria.

Kenya confirmed another Ebola infection Tuesday, bringing the number of cases to nine.

The report highlighted the widening international dimension and the growing complexity of the outbreak, particularly in Congo, where escalating insecurity, population displacement and restricted humanitarian access threaten to further undermine surveillance and response operations.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) called for global solidarity to stop Ebola after Nigeria confirmed a case in a patient in the capital, Abuja.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya mentioned the need for immediate, flexible financing, medical supplies, diagnostics, trained responders and stronger community-based surveillance.

Africa CDC is set to convene a high-level virtual meeting of African health ministers on Oct. 28 to assess the situation, strengthen coordination across borders, accelerate support to affected countries and reinforce preparedness throughout the continent.

“Ebola is crossing borders. Our response must move faster, with stronger coordination, greater solidarity and decisive political leadership,” Kaseya said.