Ebola update as outbreak could be ‘larger than reported’ warn experts

Ebola update as outbreak could be ‘larger than reported’ warn experts Essential supply shortages could hinder healthcare workers trying to control the outbreak The current Ebola outbreak could be worse than official figures state, Oxfam has warned. The humanitarian organisation is also raising the alarm over essential supply shortages in towns at the centre of the outbreak in central Africa that could be hampering efforts to slow the spread of the potentially deadly virus. Complicating matters even further is the fact that this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. It is one of the more rare and severe strains of Ebola, with no approved vaccines or treatments to combat it, with up to 40% fatality rate. Because of this, early detection and supportive care like hydration is crucial to help increase the chances of survival and minimise transmission. One vital requirement for this is access to clean water. Oxfam field data has found that access to clean water in the epicentre of this outbreak is limited. It claims that sanitation and water systems, which it describes as the first lines of defence against the virus, are collapsing. Manel Rebordosa, Oxfam’s Field Response Coordinator in Ituri province which is the epicentre of the outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said: “Water - the absolute first line of defence in any public health emergency is simply not available. “Miners working in the surrounding areas have no toilets and handwashing stations. Then they return home to communities already battling the virus. Clean water costs 2 dollars for 20 litres. For most families here, that is far beyond what they can afford.” Bundibugyo virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. This includes blood, saliva, vomit, faeces or sweat and it must enter the body through mucous membrances like the nose or mouth or through broken skin. Avoiding direct contact with infected people and regularly washing hands, bedding, clothing and medical equipment are among the top recommended methods to prevent the spread of Bundibugyo virus. All of which requires access to clean, uncontaminated water. One of the towns at the epicentre of this outbreak is Mongbwalu with a population of nearly 140,000 people but Oxfam data showed only 20% have access to clean water and just a quarter can use functional sanitation and hygiene facilities. Oxfam has warned that because of this, the true scale of the outbreak could be “larger than reported”. This also comes shortly after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it is the largest Bundibugyo oubtreak on record. In some areas, like North Kivu, deaths are reported in communities before the person can even be identified as having Ebola. Many families are left caring for sick relatives at home and unknowingly exposing more people to the virus. Oxfam highlighted the 46% drop in humanitarian funding for the DRC since 2024 which has forced aid agencies to scale back their work, reduce response and further the shortage of essential supplies and functional facilities. The organisation has set up a DRC crisis appeal for people to help scale up its response to the outbreak. Global health bodies are researching whether existing Ebola treatments could help protect against this strain and the WHO has advised prioritising some experimental drugs for the treatment and prevention of this specific virus strain.