Ebola Outbreak in Congo Expands: Recognise the Symptoms and Transmission Methods
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of a rare variant of the Ebola virus, Bundibugyo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Amid rising global anxiety, a deep understanding of how this deadly virus spreads is key to breaking the chain of transmission.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare but deadly illness caused by infection with one of the virus species in the Orthoebolavirus genus. The disease was first identified in 1976 through two simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To date, there are three main types of Orthoebolavirus that frequently cause major outbreaks. It is important to note that the Ebola virus does not spread through the air. Transmission occurs through the following mechanisms:
According to the WHO, a person cannot transmit the disease before they show physical symptoms. However, they remain infectious as long as the virus is present in their bloodstream.
The incubation period for this virus ranges from 2 to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms often appear suddenly and resemble the flu, including:
As the condition worsens, patients will experience advanced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and decreased kidney and liver function. In the critical stage, the infection can trigger internal and external bleeding and fatal organ failure.
Although deadly, the recovery rate can be improved through early diagnosis and optimal supportive care in isolation centres, such as the administration of electrolyte fluids and treatment of co-infections.
To date, the biggest challenge in the Congo outbreak is the fact that commercially available vaccines (such as Ervebo) are only effective against the Zaire strain. For the Bundibugyo variant currently spreading, the medical world is still awaiting the results of specific vaccine candidate development.
Can Ebola be cured?
Yes, with early diagnosis and proper medical care, the chances of recovery increase significantly.
Are masks effective in preventing Ebola?
Because Ebola is not airborne, masks help prevent splashes of bodily fluids (droplets) from entering the mouth or nose, but full-body personal protective equipment (PPE) remains necessary for medical personnel.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the risk of Ebola transmission in Indonesia is low because the country is not a hub and the virus’s transmission pattern is through bodily fluids.
Brazilian health authorities have confirmed that two patients suspected of contracting the Ebola virus after returning from Africa showed negative test results.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is becoming increasingly difficult to control. The PHEIC status designation is considered a serious signal as it indicates a risk of cross-border spread if the outbreak is not immediately contained.
The WHO reported 101 confirmed Ebola cases in the DR Congo. The Africa CDC has warned that 10 neighbouring countries are at high risk of regional spread.