The Ebola outbreak in Africa could spread to the UK and other countries unless governments improve preparedness, Dr Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has warned. He said the outbreak’s geographic spread was unprecedented and urged countries to expand their readiness and access to treatment.

The outbreak has recorded 10,091 cases and 4,891 deaths. Most cases — 10,060 — have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 4,887 people have died. Two deaths have been reported in Uganda and two in Kenya.

Kaseya compared the risk of wider spread to the early stages of the COVID pandemic, saying countries that initially believed they faced no danger later became hotspots. The outbreak has affected three African regions. It has spread from DR Congo to Kenya and Uganda, while Nigeria confirmed a case in Abuja in a woman who had arrived from Uganda. France has also reported a case in a doctor who returned from DR Congo.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is the largest and deadliest in DR Congo’s history. The country’s health ministry declared it in Ituri province on 15 May, although sequencing indicates it began in February. No treatment for this strain has been approved; vaccine trials are under way, with results expected in three to six months, Kaseya said.

The response has been hindered by shortages of protective equipment and unpaid wages for health workers, which have led to strikes. Conflict, distrust of officials, misinformation and cuts to international aid have also made efforts more difficult.

Kaseya plans to bring African health ministers together to press for greater cross-border cooperation. He has called for screening and testing at entry and exit points for people arriving from affected areas. He also intends to ask African leaders to support a “corridor of peace” in conflict zones so health workers can reach communities.

He said governments had pledged $3 billion for the response, but more than $2 billion remained outstanding. African countries had committed $120 million, with the rest expected from international donors, including the US, UK and EU. Kaseya urged funding to be delivered promptly, warning that continued spread would make the response more costly.

Sources: The Guardian World.