WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda a global emergency: What to know
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak involves a rare strain of Ebola called Bundibugyo, which has no approved vaccine or treatment and has caused nearly 90 deaths so far.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak started in eastern DRC’s Ituri province near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan.
- There have been about 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths reported.
- The virus strain is Bundibugyo, first found in Uganda in 2007, with a death rate up to 50%.
- Infected people have traveled, spreading the disease to other regions, including Kinshasa, DRC’s capital, and Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
- The first known patient in this outbreak was a nurse who showed symptoms on April 24 in Bunia, Ituri’s capital.
- Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids like blood and vomit from infected people or contaminated items.
- WHO advises countries not to close borders or stop trade but warns neighboring countries are at high risk due to travel and trade links.
- WHO’s emergency declaration is the second-highest alert level but said the outbreak does not qualify as a pandemic.
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