Ebola detection

Europe beefs up Ebola detection as Congo epidemic surges

The bloc isn’t taking any risks as the virus spreads faster than health workers can contain it.

By Helen Collis

Europe is increasing surveillance of potential Ebola symptoms among airline passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo as the deadly virus spreads faster than health workers can contain it.

As of Monday more than 900 suspected cases of Ebola had been reported in Congo, with at least 223 deaths, but the actual number of cases was expected to be far higher. Uganda, which borders Congo, has reported seven cases.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is modeling the likelihood of cases being imported into Europe and is working with the aviation sector “to strengthen the safety of all passengers on board,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday.

Earlier this week Italy reported two suspected cases among passengers who had arrived from Uganda, but they later tested negative for Ebola, the disease prevention agency said.

Meanwhile, Belgium has direct daily flights to and from Congo. Brussels Airlines said Wednesday it is making changes to its crew schedules given that the United States has banned entry to the country from the region, but added: “These changes are being implemented without affecting the current flight schedule.”

“In times like these, flights are more vital than ever to keep the region connected and to allow vital medication and medically trained personnel to reach the affected areas,” the airline said in a statement. The airline, which is part of the Lufthansa Group, added that it remains “committed to maintaining its flight schedule whenever possible.”

This deadly outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no treatments or vaccines. The World Health Organization said talks were ongoing with developers of two experimental vaccines, while German diagnostic firm Altona said it aimed to provide a test for the specific Ebola strain in the “coming weeks.”

Ongoing conflict in the region and the rare viral type are making it almost impossible for health workers to stop the spread of the infection, the WHO told reporters.

Health facilities have come under attack by local people on occasion because relatives wanted to take the bodies of their loved ones for burial — a practice that can lead to further infections.

Meanwhile, Europe’s disease agency is pooling more resources from a network of experts to send more help. This larger presence will help it “gather more detailed information on exit screening, which ... is crucial to reduce risk by identifying travellers who are symptomatic,” the agency said.

It will also help ensure that the agency’s risk assessments and recommendations for European countries and their citizens are prompt and up to date.