WHO raises Ebola public health risk to ‘very high’ in DR Congo
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the health risk level of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to "very high" nationally. The outbreak involves a new Ebola strain called Bundibugyo, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, and the WHO has declared it an international emergency.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has been upgraded to "very high" risk by WHO at the national level.
- There have been 82 confirmed Ebola cases and 7 confirmed deaths; however, there are about 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.
- The Ebola strain involved is Bundibugyo, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
- WHO has sent more staff to the Ituri province, the center of the outbreak, to support affected communities.
- Local authorities in Ituri have restricted funerals, limited public gatherings to 50 people, and suspended the regional football league to control the spread.
- Some communities distrust information about Ebola, leading to incidents like the burning of an Ebola treatment center.
- The WHO has called for increased global attention to the outbreak due to its rapid spread potential.
- The virus has also been found in Uganda, but the situation there is under control according to WHO.
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