Ebola Risk Likely Underestimated: MSF Reports Weeks-Long Wait for Test Results

(CNA) After COVID-19, most people understand the importance of early detection, but in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many suspected patients wait weeks for test results. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warns that the severity of this outbreak may be underestimated. The WHO declared the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. According to MSF data, as of May 28, there were 125 confirmed cases, 906 suspected cases, and 223 deaths. Jessa Pontevedra of MSF believes the initial scale of the outbreak was underestimated and the peak has not yet arrived. Trish Newport, MSF's emergency project manager in the DRC, pointed out that the lack of testing capacity is a major challenge. With no rapid diagnostic tools, many suspected cases in isolation remain waiting for results. The organization is calling for increased investment in diagnostic technology and expanded medical capacity.