The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has stated that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could become the "deadliest on record" if the international community does not urgently scale up its response. This was reported by Euronews, according to UNN.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 900 suspected cases of Ebola and over 220 probable deaths have already been recorded in the DR Congo. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring Uganda, where seven cases of infection have been confirmed, including one fatality.
The epidemic was caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no proven vaccine.
The International Rescue Committee called for "urgent international funding and coordination" to contain the spread of the disease.
Eastern DR Congo faces this outbreak in a more vulnerable and less prepared state than during the 2018–2020 epidemic, which claimed over 2,000 lives. Escalating conflicts and a reduction in global aid funding have effectively dismantled the protection system at the worst possible moment
They emphasized that a delay in response could cost thousands of lives.
Last week, three Red Cross volunteers working in Ituri province – the epicenter of the outbreak – died of suspected Ebola.
According to the organization, the volunteers may have been infected while handling the bodies of the deceased.
Ebola is a dangerous viral disease first discovered in 1976. Key symptoms include high fever, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases, bleeding.