Ebola Expert Warns of 'Unprecedented' Outbreak: 'Only a Matter of Time'

A leading Ebola expert has warned that the world may be on the brink of a catastrophic outbreak. This year, the virus has spread aggressively, with over 2,550 cases and more than 1,030 deaths across Africa. The situation is particularly dire in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases have surpassed 1,000.

Dr. Simon Mardel, who was on the frontlines during the 2000 outbreak in Uganda, believes the current crisis could become 'unprecedented.' In an interview with The Independent, he compared the spread to 'watching a train crash in slow motion.' The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no vaccine, and Dr. Mardel fears it could surpass the deadly 2014-2015 epidemic that claimed over 11,000 lives.

Mardel, who recently retired, is concerned that past mistakes in containment are being repeated, including poor contact tracing and infection control. He says it's 'only a matter of time' before the virus spreads beyond Africa to unprepared countries.

Health agencies are working tirelessly, but at least two Americans have already contracted Ebola after visiting the DRC, and potential cases have emerged in London, Brazil, and Italy. The expert is especially worried about Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, where Ebola was narrowly contained in 2014.

Dr. Mardel emphasizes that speed is critical: within three to five days of infection, the outcome can be predicted. However, he fears the outbreak may already be beyond control: 'Even though the DRC has a lot of experience with Ebola, if they are lagging behind, we are in trouble.'