By FRANCA OFILI

The World Health Organization (WHO) says 1,094 confirmed Ebola cases with 277 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) five weeks after the outbreak was declared on May 15.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said this on Wednesday during an online media conference on Ebola and health issues.

Ghebreyesus said that it was the largest first-month caseload of any Ebola outbreak in Africa, and the outbreak continues to outpace the response.

“The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, a rare Ebola virus for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.

“Cases are concentrated in Ituri province, which spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, and across the border into Uganda,” he said.

According to him, treatment beds increased from fewer than 10 to more than 500 in 19 health centers.

He said that laboratory capacity jumped from 30 tests per day in Kinshasa to more than 2,000 per day in nine labs across three provinces with WHO and Africa CDC support.

According to him, more than 100 people have recovered with early detection and supportive care, showing many can survive the disease.

He, however, warned that mortality could fall further with therapeutics.

The WHO boss said that a clinical trial of two antivirals would start at the end of June in DRC, adding that MDPC134 and remdesivir would be tested alone and in combination for Bundibugyo virus disease.

He said that the U.S. and Gilead Sciences donated doses, while WHO, DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, HALIMA, and Oxford University are conducting the trial with communities involved.

“Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, all linked to the DRC outbreak. A new case was reported last Sunday, the first in two weeks. France also reported a HALIMA health worker who tested positive after returning from caring for patients in DRC.

“Nearly 80 health workers have been infected. WHO urges countries to ensure safe deployment, clear risk information, infection prevention and control, and evacuation plans.

“More communities are becoming aware of Ebola risks and requesting tools and support to protect themselves,” he said.

Ghebreyesus said that the organization and partners are working closely with communities to inform them and involve them in the therapeutics trial.

According to him, coverage is still not at the level needed, and treatment and isolation centers lack capacity and safe and dignified burials remain a major challenge.

“Multiple security incidents have been reported in an area facing decades of conflict. Border closures continue to hinder response efforts.

“Humanitarian access requires urgent political advocacy and action.

“More than 270,000 people, mostly women and children, shelter in 60 and more sites across Ituri with limited water, sanitation, and health services. Cases have been confirmed in camps, heightening spread risk,” he said.

Ghebreyesus noted that WHO and Africa CDC requested 518 million dollars for a joint continental preparedness and response plan.

He added that financial reporting on pledges was expected soon to clarify gaps and needs.

The boss said that the organisation assesses risk as very high in DRC, high regionally, and low globally. Countries are advised to prepare for safe personnel deployment and monitoring.

He said that a Hantavirus outbreak has caused an uncertain number of cases and three deaths, with 650 and more contacts traced in 33 countries.

According to him, all but 54 contacts have completed quarantine, with WHO expecting to declare the outbreak over by July 2 if no new cases appear.

“In Sudan, West Kordofan reported 734 suspected cholera cases and 105 deaths since May 15 amid conflict-disrupted health systems.

“Europe and the Northern Hemisphere face extreme heat waves that claim around 500,000 lives globally each year.

“WHO is working with FIFA and host countries on a “Beat the Heat” initiative for the World Cup, focusing on early warnings, safe water, cooling strategies, and protecting workers, athletes, and fans,” he said. (NAN)

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