WHO chief arrives in DRC promising Ebola outbreak ‘can be stopped’
Summary
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to help stop the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The outbreak has caused many deaths and is centered in a conflict area, making medical efforts difficult.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC was declared on May 15, with over 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases.
- WHO reports 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 223 suspected deaths as of May 24.
- This is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the DRC.
- The epidemic is focused in a mineral-rich, conflict-affected region in the northeast of the country.
- WHO does not support travel bans, saying they are not very helpful in stopping the outbreak.
- No vaccine or treatment yet exists for the specific Ebola strain (Bundibugyo) causing this outbreak, but trials are being planned.
- Uganda has closed its border with the DRC after detecting Ebola cases.
- The US plans to deny entry to infected individuals and open a treatment center in Kenya for affected Americans.
- Large amounts of aid are arriving in the affected region to support response efforts.
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