Ebola Outbreak in Congo Worsens, Potential for 20,000 Cases

Congo. The Ebola epidemic spreading in the African country of Congo Democratic Republic is becoming serious. According to the latest analysis released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a risk that the number of infected people could exceed 20,000 within the next three months if infected individuals are not identified and isolated in time.

According to the center, there is a 65 percent chance that the number of infected people will exceed 20,000 if the current weak control situation continues.

Experts say that quickly identifying Ebola-infected individuals and isolating them in treatment centers is the most effective way to control the epidemic. However, due to limited access to health services in the affected areas, lack of manpower, and insecurity, it is difficult to ascertain the actual number of infected people.

Satish Pillai, a senior official involved in the Ebola control campaign, said that the actual situation of the infection is not yet fully clear. According to him, there are indications that the number of infected people requiring treatment and isolation may be higher than estimated. He mentioned that the situation on the ground shows that the current isolation of infected people is not sufficiently effective.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization and the African Union's public health agency have stated that $518 million will be needed for the next six months to control the Ebola epidemic spreading in Congo and neighboring countries. The amount will be spent on treatment, surveillance, vaccination campaigns, public awareness, and strengthening health security in border areas.

This epidemic was officially declared in the northeastern region of Congo on May 15. However, health officials estimate that the rare Zaire ebolavirus had been spreading in the community for some time before it was declared.

According to the latest data, 381 people have been confirmed infected in Congo so far. 64 of them have died. The infection has spread primarily in three provinces, with Ituri province being the most affected. About 90 percent of the total infected and 76 percent of those who died are from Ituri province.

Infection has also started spreading in the neighboring country of Uganda. So far, 16 people have been confirmed infected there, and one person has died. However, seven infected people in Congo and two in Uganda have fully recovered after treatment.

Health officials have warned that the epidemic still risks going out of control and have appealed to the international community for cooperation to make the search for infected people, monitoring of their contacts, expansion of treatment services, and public awareness programs more effective.