The Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 1,100 cases and almost 300 deaths since it was declared in mid-May. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that knowledge gaps are still hampering detection and care for sick patients.

Challenges in Detection and Care

Medics say that the lack of data on how to spot the disease is still causing problems, particularly because the early symptoms are also common in other diseases like malaria. The current outbreak was found late because the most common tests detect the Zaire strain of Ebola, not Bundibugyo.

According to Abdou Sebushishe, a senior adviser at the International Medical Corps in eastern Congo, the early symptoms of Ebola Bundibugyo seem to start mildly, meaning people may delay seeking care. This has resulted in over 50% of patients being at an advanced stage of the disease when they seek medical attention.

Response Efforts

Despite the challenges, scientists say that similar measures are needed to respond to the outbreak, including testing, isolating, and treating patients. Peter Piot, professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a co-discoverer of Ebola Zaire, stated that the same steps are still key to containing the outbreak.

However, the WHO has reported that resistance and violence against Ebola responders have limited efforts to contain the outbreak. The organization has also stated that the lack of vaccines or treatments to help tackle the disease is a significant challenge.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.