We are chasing Ebola virus - it is ahead of us, WHO warns

Health worker in green scrubs helps another person put on their PPE. The person on the left of the picture is wearing full white protective gear and goggles.
Health workers need to be fully protected as the virus can spread from touching bodily fluids.

The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began at least three months before it was officially declared, WHO Africa director Dr. Mohamed Janabi warned today in Bunia, the heart of the crisis.

Since the declaration on 15 May, the epidemic has killed 1,960 people, making it the second-worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded.

Health authorities are struggling to keep up with high infection rates as security concerns and mistrust of health services leave many cases untreated. Traditional burial rituals that involve touching the dead, coupled with suspicion toward outsiders, have further amplified the spread.

This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which lacks an approved vaccine or specific therapeutics, complicating treatment. Despite these challenges, several dedicated treatment centres have opened in eastern DRC, leading to faster diagnosis and care.

The WHO is calling for urgent international cooperation and resources to ramp up surveillance, community engagement and medical support, emphasising that the virus is ahead and must be chased before it dominates the region.