British Healthcare Worker Tests Positive for Ebola in DR Congo Amid Cholera Crisis
A British healthcare worker has become the first UK national to contract Ebola in the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the country faces a severe cholera crisis.
A British healthcare worker has tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the first instance of a UK national contracting the virus during the current outbreak in the country 13. This development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by medical professionals working in regions affected by the deadly disease.
The Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus is responsible for the current outbreak in the DRC, which has seen significant fatalities and complications due to its high fatality rate of around 50 percent 3. The infected individual is a healthcare worker, highlighting the risks faced by those on the frontlines of treating patients with infectious diseases 13.
In addition to the Ebola outbreak, the DRC is grappling with a severe cholera crisis, with around 1,800 people having died from the disease in the current year 2. Approximately 60,000 cases of cholera have been recorded, with the majority occurring in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu 2. The mortality rate for cholera in the DRC is approximately 3% 2, indicating a significant public health challenge.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines, specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain 3. These trials, led by the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research and supported by the WHO and other partners, aim to provide additional options for combating the virus 3. The new vaccines were developed by the University of Oxford, Serum Institute of India, and Moderna 3.
Accessing remote and conflict-ridden areas remains a significant challenge for healthcare workers and aid organizations, complicating efforts to combat both cholera and Ebola 2. The rainy season poses a particular risk for further spread of cholera, especially in densely populated urban centers like Kinshasa 2.
The UK government has stated that there are established procedures for handling such cases, and the public risk is considered low 1. With four confirmed Ebola cases in the UK previously, including one from a lab accident in 1976 and three from the West Africa outbreak between 2014 and 2015, the country has experience in managing the disease 1.
Two new candidate drugs for Ebola are being added to clinical trials, alongside existing vaccines, offering hope for improved treatment options 1. Additionally, cases of Ebola have been confirmed in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda since the start of the outbreak 1. In Kenya, nine cases have been reported, including two deaths, while Nigeria has confirmed one case 3.
What We Know
- A British healthcare worker has contracted Ebola in the DRC 13
- The Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus is responsible for the current outbreak 3
- Around 1,800 people have died from cholera in the DRC this year 2
- Clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain have begun 3
- Access to remote and conflict-ridden areas complicates efforts to combat both cholera and Ebola 2
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Trust Score report
- confirmed
A British man has tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
This is the first instance of a UK national contracting Ebola in the current outbreak in DR Congo.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
The infected individual is reportedly a healthcare worker.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
The Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus is responsible for the ongoing outbreak in DR Congo.
87% · supported by 2 - likely
The exact date for the man's return flight to the UK is unknown.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
The UK government stated there are established procedures for handling such cases and the public risk is low.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
There have been four confirmed Ebola cases in the UK, including one from a lab accident in 1976 and three from the West Africa outbreak between 2014 and 2015.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Two new candidate drugs for Ebola are being added to clinical trials, alongside existing vaccines.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Cases of Ebola have been confirmed in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda since the start of the outbreak.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Around 1,800 people died from cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the current year.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Approximately 60,000 cases of cholera were recorded in the DRC.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The majority of cholera cases occurred in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
There are concerns that cholera may spread along the Congo River basin towards Kinshasa.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The mortality rate for cholera in the DRC is approximately 3%.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The DRC is also experiencing its deadliest Ebola outbreak.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Challenges in accessing remote and conflict-ridden areas are complicating efforts to combat both cholera and Ebola.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The rainy season poses a risk for further spread of cholera, particularly in Kinshasa.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The trials are for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The fatality rate of the Bundibugyo strain is 50 percent.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
A trial using the Ervebo vaccine for the Zaire strain started last month.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Results from the new vaccine trials are expected in early 2027.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research leads the trial, supported by the WHO and others.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The University of Oxford, Serum Institute of India, and Moderna developed the new vaccines.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Nine cases have been reported in Kenya, including two deaths.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
One case has been confirmed in Nigeria.
71% · supported by 1 - unverified
Over 5,000 people have died in the current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.
53% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
The current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo began in May and has over 10,000 confirmed cases.
53% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
Over 5,300 people have died from the Bundibugyo strain since May.
47% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
There have been 10,444 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC.
47% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1
Sources & references
- BBC Africa — UK national tests positive for Ebola virus in DR Congo
- Medical Xpress — Some 1,800 dead from cholera in Ebola-hit DR Congo: WHO
- Al Jazeera — WHO approves trials for two new Ebola vaccines
