Ebola risk raised to 'very high' in DR Congo
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the Ebola risk level in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) from "high" to "very high" due to an outbreak of a rare Ebola type called Bundibugyo. There are about 750 suspected cases and 177 deaths so far. Scientists are working on new vaccines, but none are ready yet, and the outbreak is also affecting neighboring Uganda.Key Facts
- WHO increased the Ebola risk in DR Congo to "very high" nationally and "high" in the region, but "low" at the global level.
- The Ebola outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species, which kills about one-third of infected people and has no approved vaccine.
- There are around 750 suspected Ebola cases and 177 suspected deaths in DR Congo.
- Uganda has reported two confirmed Ebola cases and one death, with cases linked to travel from DR Congo.
- Scientists at Oxford University are developing a new Bundibugyo vaccine expected to enter trials in 2-3 months.
- Another experimental vaccine may be ready for testing in 6-9 months.
- Violence and mistrust in DR Congo have made it harder for health workers to manage the outbreak, including an incident where a hospital was set on fire.
- WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern but said it is not a pandemic.
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