The outbreak of disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda has already recorded more than 200 deaths in just one month and is considered the worst ever documented for this variant. Estimates indicate that up to 35,000 people may have been exposed, according to data released by the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Thursday, June 18.
To date, 894 cases have been confirmed, a number that triples the previous outbreak recorded in Uganda in 2000, when there were 281 infections. Epidemiologist Wessam Mankoula, from Africa CDC, highlighted the accelerated growth of the disease.
The contamination rate has increased by 38% in the last week, with the disease spreading across 32 health regions in eastern Congo. Authorities expect the total number of infected people to continue rising in the coming weeks.
Record number of cases and the recent increase in the disease
This is the third known outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no vaccines or approved treatments. Unlike the Zaire strain, which is more common and has a vaccine available, Bundibugyo makes controlling the epidemic especially difficult. Most of the sixteen previous outbreaks in Congo have been linked to the Zaire variant.
More than 90% of cases are concentrated in the province of Ituri, in the east of the country. Contaminations were also identified in the neighboring provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. The virus crossed the border into Uganda, where 19 people were infected and two died.
Identification of the virus and its regional expansion
Contact tracing of those infected faces major obstacles due to geographic isolation and instability in Ituri province. Mankoula explained that, for every 800 confirmed cases, it would be necessary to monitor between 17,000 and 35,000 potential contacts. So far, around four thousand people have been identified and are being evaluated, which represents less than 15% of the estimated total.
Difficulties in contact tracing in conflict areas
Nearly a million people have been displaced in the region by years of conflict, according to the UN humanitarian office. The population constantly moves to escape attacks, which makes monitoring difficult. Ituri has dense forests, poor roads and isolated communities that require days to access. Thousands of miners traveling through the rich mineral zone also complicate surveillance work.
Insufficient financing and resources to contain the crisis
Of the almost 900 million dollars promised to combat the outbreak, only 90 million were actually released. The Africa CDC estimates the need for 540 professionals for the response, but currently has only 84. Mankoula called for the rapid implementation of financial commitments and rigorous monitoring so that promises are converted into real resources.
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO and a Continental Security Emergency by the Africa CDC reinforces the urgency of a coordinated response in the region.