Emergency aid Ebola action medeor

The Ebola virus has been rampant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1976 and is considered one of the most dangerous viruses in the world. It first appeared in what was then Zaire (now the DRC). Depending on the virus strain, Ebola infection is fatal in 30 to 90 percent of cases. The most severe Ebola outbreak in the DRC to date occurred between 2018 and 2020, when around 2,300 deaths were recorded.

action medeor has been active in the region for more than 20 years, providing emergency aid in the fight against the Ebola virus. Following the renewed outbreak in May 2026, the Tönisvorst-based medical aid organization delivered emergency assistance, supplied essential protective equipment, and carried out additional relief measures.

The Ebola virus is considered a highly dangerous pathogen that causes what is known as Ebola fever. This is a severe infectious disease in which patients suffer from symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ebola often takes a dramatic course and can be accompanied by internal bleeding, which frequently results in death for those infected.

According to experts, bats - such as fruit bats - are primarily responsible for spreading the virus. Ebola is transmitted through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. In infected humans, the virus is passed on to others through bodily fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, or stool. Transmission through semen is even possible for several months.

In outbreak regions, transmission also frequently occurs during funerals, as people touch the deceased and can become infected even after death. Containing Ebola in the DRC is considered difficult because infections often occur in areas with little or limited access to healthcare. Anyone infected with the Ebola virus must be isolated immediately, and extensive protective measures are required - measures that are often difficult to implement due to a lack of materials.

The period from infection to the onset of symptoms can range from two to 21 days, which makes tracing the virus very difficult. Ebola typically progresses through at least five stages:

To diagnose Ebola infection, patients’ blood must be tested for the virus or specific antibodies in specialized high-security laboratories under strict safety precautions. Even contact with sample material is considered highly infectious, which puts medical personnel at significant risk.

Although vaccines against Ebola exist, they are only approved for the Zaire Ebola virus. For newer variants such as the Bundibugyo ebolavirus - a rare strain first discovered in 2007 and re-emerging in 2026 - there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available. The mortality rate can reach up to 50 percent.

action medeor works to protect medical personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to contain the further spread of the Ebola virus. In addition to providing protective materials such as suits, masks, and gloves, the organization also conducts important awareness campaigns on how to properly protect against the virus. Medical staff on the ground are instructed to wear airtight protective suits, gloves, masks, and goggles during examinations and treatment, and to strictly follow hygiene protocols when putting on and removing equipment, as well as during decontamination and reuse of materials.

In general, everyone is urged to avoid direct contact with blood, saliva, vomit, urine, or sweat of infected individuals - even in the case of deceased persons. Regular handwashing with soap followed by disinfection, as well as avoiding the sharing of items such as towels, utensils, and clothing, is essential in controlling the outbreak. Contact with wild animals or raw meat should also be avoided, and food should be thoroughly cooked. If symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately, and further contact with others should be avoided.

Thanks to your support, action medeor is able to respond quickly, comprehensively, and effectively to emergencies worldwide. Every donation makes a difference and helps ensure that we can take action at any time in crisis and disaster regions to stop the spread of dangerous viral diseases such as Ebola.

Your support enables us to procure vital medical supplies and deliver them precisely where they are needed most.