WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concern
Summary
WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern after 80 deaths. The Bundibugyo virus strain is spreading in multiple regions, with cases confirmed in both countries and posing a risk to neighboring nations.
Key Points
- The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, which lacks approved specific therapeutics or vaccines.
- As of Saturday, 80 deaths and multiple suspected and confirmed cases have been reported mainly in DRC’s Ituri province and Uganda’s Kampala.
- WHO advises isolation of confirmed cases, monitoring contacts, restricted travel for exposed persons, but cautions against closing borders to avoid informal crossings.
