Rare incurable Ebola outbreak sparks emergency response by global crisis group

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched an emergency response to the deadly Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

The rare strain of the virus, which has no vaccine, has killed 88 people across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

Yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global emergency over the outbreak.

Authorities have confirmed the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain. It currently has no licensed vaccine or treatment.

The IRC says the spread could accelerate due to insecurity, displacement, fragile health systems, and high levels of population movement across the region if containment if not ramped up.

Heather Kerr, IRC Democratic Republic of Congo county director, said: ‘Every delay has a human cost. The confirmation of cases in Goma raises serious alarm – a densely populated transport hub where the virus can spread fast and far. 

‘Eastern DRC’s years of conflict and displacement have left health systems on their knees, and that makes containing this outbreak all the harder. With dozens of lives already lost and an already overstretched health system, we need to act fast. 

‘The IRC has extensive experience responding to Ebola outbreaks, and our teams know that rapid action on infection prevention and control, community engagement, safe isolation, and support to frontline health workers is critical to preventing further spread. 

‘In response to the current escalating outbreak, whilst working in close coordination with the government health authorities who are leading the response, IRC is immediately launching emergency prevention and control activities including distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).’

The outbreak was announced by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. However, it is not clear when it had begun.

In a statement released by WHO on Sunday, it said there are ‘significant uncertainties’ over the true number of infected people or its geographical spread.

It added: ‘The event requires international coordination and cooperation to understand the extent of the outbreak, to coordinate surveillance, prevention and response efforts, to scale up and strengthen operations and ensure ability to implement control measures.’

According to the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control, the likelihood of infection for people in Europe is considered very low.