MSF Warns of Rapidly Spreading Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

The international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the scale of the outbreak appears unprecedented in such a short period.

MSF’s assistant director Dr Alan González said the number of infections emerging within a brief timeframe was unlike anything previously recorded.

His comments came shortly after World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Ebola-affected Ituri province on Saturday.

Health authorities say more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases have now been reported in the DRC, with at least 246 deaths. In neighbouring Uganda, nine infections have been confirmed, including one fatality.

González said MSF teams on the ground were witnessing the virus spreading “very rapidly”.

“No one currently understands the true scale and severity of this epidemic. New suspected cases are being reported daily, and hundreds of samples are yet to be tested,” he said.

He added that restrictions at borders and airports were making it difficult to deliver humanitarian assistance, while ongoing conflict in parts of the country was further complicating the response.

On 15 May, the DRC Health Ministry confirmed an Ebola outbreak after eight samples tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Two days later, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

This marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC, according to official records.

During his visit to Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, Dr Tedros said the WHO mission was aimed at understanding the situation on the ground and urged communities to play an active role in containing the disease.

“Local communities understand the problems and solutions best,” he said, adding that safe burial practices were essential to prevent further transmission.

While traditional funeral rituals often involve close contact with the deceased, health officials warn that handling the bodies of Ebola victims can spread the virus.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, saliva, sweat, urine and faeces. Infection can occur when these fluids enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes, or via contaminated surfaces such as needles, bedding or clothing.

The World Health Organization says there is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain being used in the outbreak, meaning treatment remains largely supportive.

Researchers at the University of Oxford are reportedly working on a potential vaccine, but clinical trials could take two to three months to begin, with no guarantee of effectiveness.

Eastern Congo has long been affected by armed conflict involving dozens of militia groups, some with foreign links. The Ebola epicentre in Ituri province remains under government control but with limited presence in rural areas, allowing armed groups to operate.

Experts say insecurity, mass displacement, weak governance and reduced international funding have all severely weakened the health system. MSF had previously warned of deteriorating conditions in Ituri even before the current outbreak, citing attacks on health facilities and the flight of medical staff.

Human rights groups have described the situation as a “devastating series of crises”, warning that the Ebola outbreak is compounding an already fragile humanitarian environment.