Ebola outbreak in Congo could last into next year, expert says

High casualty figures and difficult containment

Ebola is a life-threatening disease. The virus is transmitted through physical contact and contact with bodily fluids. The bodies of the deceased are considered highly contagious and must therefore be buried under special safety conditions. However, precisely these regulations encounter resistance in the affected region in northeastern Congo.

Grobusch emphasized that in the end, it is not the availability of a vaccine but contact tracing as well as finding and treating patients that is the way to bring the outbreak under control. The African health authority Africa CDC had repeatedly pointed to challenges in tracing contacts of confirmed Ebola cases.

Skepticism and attacks on treatment centers

Although health workers and volunteers, including from the Red Cross, have been carrying out educational work since the outbreak was announced in mid-May, there is a great deal of skepticism about dealing with the disease in the affected region in northeastern Congo. In addition, people suspected of being infected have repeatedly fled to avoid isolation. Treatment centers have been attacked several times, including in order to force the release of deceased patients.

First treatment successes with new active substances

Since the beginning of July, clinical testing of two antiviral therapies against the virus has been underway. These involve a monoclonal antibody called MBP134 and the antiviral drug Remdesivir. A combination of these two agents was also used to treat a US doctor who was at Berlin's Charité hospital in May and June. He recovered and was able to leave the hospital. In addition, a US doctor who had been infected with Ebola had previously been flown to Frankfurt am Main for treatment.

According to experts, combating the outbreak requires above all patience and on-site presence. Grobusch pointed out that contact tracing is labor-intensive and requires a large number of trained personnel. International organizations and local helpers are working closely together, with educating the population about transmission routes playing a central role.

The World Health Organization and other international actors had sent additional funds and personnel to the region in recent weeks to support containment efforts. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense, as mistrust of medical workers and Western organizations continues to be high. According to experts, a turning point is not expected before the course of next year at the earliest.