Africa CDC Chief Kaseya Says Ebola Outbreak of 10,091 Cases Now Threatens Europe

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stated on Tuesday that the current Ebola outbreak could soon reach the United Kingdom and other nations outside the continent. He urged governments on all continents to raise their preparedness levels and increase treatment capacity immediately, warning that no country is safe without appropriate measures.

The outbreak has now reached 10,091 confirmed cases, with nearly 5,000 deaths. Kaseya described the geographic spread as unprecedented, noting that this is the first time three distinct African regions have been simultaneously affected by the virus. He compared the situation to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when many countries claimed zero risk before later becoming major hotspots.

The virus, identified as the Bundibugyo strain, was first declared by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s health ministry in Ituri province on May 15. Genetic sequencing indicates the outbreak actually began in February. It has since spread to neighboring Kenya and Uganda. Last week, Nigeria confirmed a case in the capital, Abuja, in a woman who arrived from Uganda. France remains the only non-African country with a confirmed case, a doctor who returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in June.

Of the total cases, 10,060 have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has recorded 4,887 deaths. Uganda and Kenya have each reported two deaths. Kaseya noted that the response has been hampered by inadequate protective equipment, unpaid wages for health workers leading to strikes, and ongoing conflict in affected areas. Mistrust of officials and global aid cuts have further complicated containment efforts.

Kaseya stated that leaders must recognize that the brunt of the crisis is currently in Africa but that this could change. He emphasized that the Bundibugyo virus has no approved treatment, though vaccine trials are underway with results expected within three to six months. He warned that failure to fund the response now could lead to costs in the trillions if the outbreak spreads further.

On Wednesday, Kaseya will convene a meeting of African health ministers to push for greater cross-border cooperation. He plans to urge governments to implement screening and testing for travelers arriving from or departing affected regions at points of entry and exit. His goal is to ensure ministers understand the potential for spread and avoid being surprised by the virus's movement.

In November, Kaseya will meet with African heads of state to call for a 'corridor of peace' in conflict zones. He explained that health workers in Ituri are currently unable to support the population due to insecurity. He argued that the outbreak affects everyone, regardless of political or military affiliation, and required a unified agreement to protect populations.

Kaseya reported that governments have pledged $3 billion to fund the response, but more than $2 billion remains outstanding. African countries have committed $120 million, with the remainder expected from international donors including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. He stated that the money is needed immediately to stop the outbreak from moving further.