The World Health Organization (WHO) has expanded Ebola treatment and isolation capacity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as health authorities continue efforts to contain an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
New measures include the expansion of isolation facilities for suspected cases, upgrades to treatment centers, the construction of individual isolation rooms that meet modern infection prevention standards, and the installation of a 10,000-liter water tank to improve patient care and facility operations.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that community mistrust remains one of the biggest obstacles to controlling the outbreak. Following a visit to the affected Ituri Province, he noted that insecurity, displacement, and population movements continue to complicate response efforts and hinder access to healthcare services.
Health officials are currently responding to the outbreak without approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. However, clinical trials of potential medicines are expected to begin in the coming weeks, offering hope for improved treatment options.
WHO also stressed the importance of building trust within affected communities, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and improving broader health services to ensure a more effective response.
Alongside the outbreak response, WHO has released its first comprehensive clinical management guidelines covering all filovirus diseases, including Ebola and Marburg virus diseases. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for patient care, focusing on early supportive treatment, hydration, infection management, laboratory monitoring, and long-term follow-up for survivors.
According to WHO, rapid diagnosis, early referral, and high-quality supportive care remain the most effective tools for improving survival rates during Ebola outbreaks, particularly in areas where vaccines and treatments are limited.
The latest developments underscore the continuing challenges posed by Ebola outbreaks in vulnerable regions and the need for sustained international support to strengthen health systems and emergency response capacities.
