WHO chief heads to ‘hardest hit’ Ituri as DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak spreads
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) chief is traveling to Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to help fight the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak, which has spread mainly in that area. The outbreak is caused by a rare Ebola strain called Bundibugyo, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in DRC has 121 confirmed cases and 17 confirmed deaths so far.
- About 90% of patients are being treated in Ituri province, where the WHO Director-General is going to offer support.
- The Bundibugyo Ebola strain differs from the usual Ebola Zaire strain and has no available vaccines or medicines yet.
- Africa CDC plans to have a vaccine and treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola by the end of 2026.
- Aid supplies like masks, gloves, boots, and medicines are being sent to Bunia, the capital of Ituri.
- Health workers face challenges like lack of protective gear, distrust from locals, and attacks by armed groups.
- The DRC government is using $20 million to help contain the outbreak.
- The U.S. government has given $112 million in total aid, with $80 million added recently to support efforts in DRC and Uganda.
- Uganda has confirmed 8 Ebola cases, including one death, and has closed its border with DRC to prevent spread.
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