WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern" after over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported. The rare Bundibugyo virus strain has no approved vaccines or treatments.
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Outbreak Details
In the DRC's current outbreak, there have been at least 80 suspected deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases reported as of Saturday in the country's remote northeastern Ituri province on the border with Uganda. In Uganda, two laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death, have so far been reported in the country's capital Kampala.
Rare Virus Strain
The outbreak, originating in eastern DRC's Ituri province, involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The variant has no approved vaccine or treatment. The case fatality rates in the past two BVD outbreaks have ranged from 30% to 50%.
Regional Concerns
Africa CDC warned that population movements, weak healthcare infrastructure and violence by armed groups in Ituri could complicate containment efforts.