WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
Summary
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak in eastern Ituri province has caused 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths.
Key Points
- WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern.
- Approximately 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been reported in eastern Ituri province.
- The current Ebola variant in this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved medicine or vaccine yet.
- Preventive measures include reducing contact with infected wildlife, isolation of patients, safe burials, contact tracing, and healthcare vaccination programs.
