How worrying is the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo?
Summary
A rare Ebola outbreak is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with almost 250 suspected cases and 80 deaths so far. The virus is a less common type called Bundibugyo, which has no approved vaccines or treatments, making it harder to control and treat.Key Facts
- Ebola is spreading undetected in an area of the DR Congo affected by civil war.
- The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has caused only two previous outbreaks.
- Bundibugyo kills between 30% and 50% of those infected.
- There are no approved vaccines or drugs specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, only experimental options.
- Early symptoms resemble the flu, followed by severe illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure, and bleeding.
- Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids once symptoms appear.
- The outbreak was first detected weeks after the first known case, a nurse sickened in April.
- The World Health Organization has declared the situation an international public health emergency due to its complexity and potential to grow.
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