Africa CDC highlighted other complexities of this outbreak, including the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara; Intensive movement of people in the region, including mining-related mobility; militia clashes in the area; and gaps in contact tracing. The agency noted possible spread not only to Uganda but also to South Sudan.
“Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighboring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential,” Dr. Jean Kassia, Africa CDC director-general, said in a statement Friday. “We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response and help stop the outbreak as quickly as possible.”
At a press briefing on Friday afternoon, Jay Bhattacharya, who currently leads the US CDC, said the agency, which has offices in both the DRC and Uganda, was providing technical assistance to the countries. “This is a major outbreak and we were informed about it only yesterday. So we are working very, very hard to coordinate with them,” Bhattacharya said.
In a separate press briefing earlier today, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said WHO received an indication of suspected Ebola cases in the DRC and sent a team to support the health ministry on May 5. WHO representatives are still there assisting in outbreak responses.
Tedros also said WHO is releasing $500,000 from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support immediate response efforts.
<a href