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WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak began in February, not May

The WHO says early cases were misattributed to malaria and typhoid, and confirmed cases have reached 4,200 with more than 1,900 deaths.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Emerging Markets

The World Health Organization said the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo began in February, months before it was officially declared in mid-May. The WHO said sequencing data indicated the earlier start, even as responders worked to catch up on the ground.

WHO regional director for Africa Mohamed Yakub Janabi said some early cases were wrongly attributed to malaria and typhoid. The WHO also said confirmed Ebola cases have reached 4,200, including over 1,900 deaths, citing the latest government figures.

The outbreak was declared on May 15, and WHO said it differs from many earlier Ebola outbreaks because the Bundibugyo virus behind it has no approved vaccines or treatments.

Associated Press reported the update after the WHO’s remarks at a press conference, highlighting how the timing of the outbreak’s start has complicated efforts to control spread.

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