WHO calls for community cooperation to contain DRC Ebola outbreak
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to work together to stop the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The outbreak has caused many cases and deaths, and fighting between armed groups makes relief work more difficult.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak is centered in Ituri province, eastern DRC, where people have protested medical rules on handling bodies.
- WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said everyone needs to be involved to stop Ebola and that early medical help can save lives.
- The current Ebola strain, Bundibugyo virus, has no vaccine, but infected patients can recover with treatment.
- There have been 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths in the DRC, with confirmed cases and one death in Uganda.
- Armed conflicts in Ituri region are hindering efforts to control the disease; WHO called for a ceasefire to protect civilians.
- Brazil is monitoring two patients with symptoms similar to Ebola in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
- Ebola was first seen in the DRC in 1976 and has caused 17 outbreaks, with an average death rate of about 50%.
- International aid has been sent, including medical supplies from the EU and $112 million from the US, but shortages of masks and supplies remain.
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