KINSHASA — Africa’s top public health official warned on Wednesday that the Ebola outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo could reach countries far beyond the continent, as confirmed cases passed 10,000.
“We want all countries to know that they are not safe if they don’t take appropriate measures,” Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Guardian, comparing the outbreak to the early spread of Covid. “The geographic extension of this outbreak is unprecedented.”
Congo’s health ministry has recorded 10,060 confirmed cases, and nearly half have died, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history and the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, CBC News reported.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has no approved vaccine or treatment. It has spread to 66 health zones in eight Congolese provinces and reached Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria, with one case in France.
About 80 percent of new cases come from outside known contacts, pointing to hidden chains of transmission. African health ministers were due to hold a virtual summit on Wednesday to strengthen the response.
“Ebola is crossing borders. Our response must move faster, with stronger co-ordination, greater solidarity and decisive political leadership,” Kaseya said.
Sources: The Guardian, CBC News / AP
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