DRC’s Ebola outbreak began months before it was officially declared, says WHO
Summary
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began in February but was officially declared in May, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, is spreading quickly with over 4,200 cases and 1,900 deaths reported, and it is occurring in difficult conditions with no approved vaccine specifically for this strain.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak started months before it was officially announced in mid-May.
- Early cases were often mistaken for malaria or typhoid.
- There are about 4,200 confirmed cases and at least 1,900 deaths in the DRC.
- This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.
- The more common Ebola tests delayed early detection because they do not identify this rare strain.
- Health workers face challenges like strikes, lack of protective gear, rebel threats, and misinformation.
- The WHO recommended full-scale trials of the Ervebo vaccine, which works for another Ebola strain but may offer some protection against Bundibugyo.
- Ebola spreads through contact with body fluids and contaminated items and is highly contagious and deadly.
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