WHO warns Ebola outbreak risk now 'very high' in DR Congo
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to “very high.” There is no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain, and health officials are working quickly to control the outbreak and prevent it from spreading to nearby countries.Key Facts
- The Bundibugyo Ebola strain outbreak in the DRC is now classified by WHO as a “very high” risk at the national level.
- So far, 82 Ebola cases are confirmed in the DRC, with 7 confirmed deaths, 177 suspected deaths, and nearly 750 suspected cases.
- Uganda has reported 2 cases linked to travelers from the DRC, with one death.
- There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for this Ebola strain.
- WHO says the risk of the virus spreading globally is low but remains high in the DRC and the surrounding region.
- An antiviral drug called Obeldesivir, originally developed for COVID-19, shows promise and may be used to prevent Ebola in people exposed to the virus under strict conditions.
- A US citizen infected in the DRC has been transferred to Germany for medical care, and another American with close contact to a case has been moved to the Czech Republic.
- Uganda’s measures such as contact tracing and canceling mass events have helped reduce the spread of Ebola within its borders.
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