In brief
The Africa CDC praised Kenya’s "quick and efficient" handling of an imported Ebola case, calling it a continental example of containment. The agency warned that the Bundibugyo outbreak is expanding into the Democratic Republic of Congo and urged faster disbursement of pledged funds to curb the second‑largest Ebola outbreak on record. Meanwhile, Kenya logged nine confirmed cases, two deaths, and continued to keep new cases at zero since mid‑October.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Thursday that Kenya’s rapid response to an imported Ebola case has set a standard for the continent, even as it cast growing alarm over the Bundibugyo outbreak moving into the Democratic Republic of Congo. The agency’s warning comes amid confirmed Ebola numbers that have already surpassed 10,600 cases and a fatality toll that tops 5,200 deaths.
Wessam Mankoula, an Africa CDC official, spoke in an online press briefing on Thursday evening. He highlighted Kenya’s “quick and efficient” containment progress as a model of how other African states can handle the virus. Kenya’s first imported case was reported on October 6, and the country has since recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths. Over 669 samples have been tested with a 1.35 percent positivity rate. Kenya has not recorded a new case since October 19; the first five patients have already been discharged from treatment centers.
Mankoula cautioned that while Kenya’s efforts are commendable, many countries still have major gaps in preparedness. In his statement, he said,
"This is a time for all our member states to invest in preparedness and readiness. Having an imported case should not push us to panic as long as we have the minimum capacity at all critical preparedness pillars,"and added that each country should maintain a “strong surveillance system, and screening at points of entry to detect cases quickly.” He urged investment in laboratory capacities and designated treatment facilities for early cases.
According to Africa CDC data, the ongoing multi‑country Ebola outbreak is the fastest‑growing and second‑largest on record, eclipsing even the 2014‑2016 West African outbreak. The number of confirmed cases has now reached 10,699, with a case‑fatality rate of 48.6 percent. Some 2,900 patients have recovered, but more than 5,200 deaths have been counted across the continent.
In addition to Kenya, the Africa CDC noted encouraging results from Nigeria’s outbreak containment efforts, saying that both countries have taken strong steps to limit further spread.
However, the Africa CDC warned that the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has taken a dangerous turn with cases moving into the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mankoula stressed the need for accelerated disbursement of pledged funds to support the rapidly expanding outbreak, highlighting the importance of logistics, case management, and infection control in the region.
The Africa CDC’s comments come as health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo prepare for more cases and assess the capacity of their health systems to handle a potential surge. Meanwhile, the African continent continues to face critical gaps in readiness that, according to Mankoula, could undermine control measures if not built up quickly.
