Ebola Cases in Central Africa Rise from 256 to About 1,000 in Eleven Days

The number of suspected and confirmed Ebola cases in central Africa rose sharply between 16 May and 27 May. The World Health Organization recorded an increase from 256 cases to roughly 1,000 cases, with approximately 240 deaths reported. The outbreak remains limited to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The DRC has managed multiple prior Ebola outbreaks and maintains experienced public-health infrastructure for the virus.

Specialists state that expanding laboratory testing is required to identify infections quickly and isolate patients. Robert Garry, a virologist at Tulane University, noted that the main laboratory conducting tests is struggling to keep pace with demand.

Of the 1,038 cases reported by 27 May, 132 had been confirmed by laboratory analysis as the Bundibugyo species of ebolavirus. The World Health Organization reported that laboratory capacity is being increased. BioFire Defense, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, announced on 19 May that it is raising production of a test capable of detecting multiple Ebola species, including Bundibugyo.

Chima Ohuabunwo, an epidemiologist at Morehouse School of Medicine, stated that the DRC's prior experience positions it to respond more effectively than in earlier outbreaks. No vaccine or targeted treatment exists for the Bundibugyo species, so control depends on non-pharmaceutical interventions.

The DRC Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.