Why are experts warning latest Ebola outbreak could be ‘worst ever’?
Summary
Health officials warn that the current Ebola outbreak in eastern Africa, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, could become the worst in history. Unlike other types of Ebola, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain, and the outbreak is happening in a conflict zone, making it harder to control.Key Facts
- At least 837 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been infected, with 196 deaths so far.
- In Uganda, 19 cases and 2 deaths have been reported.
- The Bundibugyo Ebola virus causes the current outbreak; it is rarer than other strains.
- No approved vaccines or treatments exist yet for the Bundibugyo virus, only early-stage development.
- Previous large Ebola outbreaks used the Zaire strain, for which vaccines and treatments are available.
- The outbreak is occurring in eastern DRC, a region affected by ongoing fighting involving the M23 rebel group.
- Health workers have limited options and mainly treat patients by managing symptoms.
- Past Ebola outbreaks in West Africa (2014) and DRC (2018) resulted in over 11,000 and 2,000 deaths respectively.
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