In brief
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a dire Ebola outbreak with at least 100 reported deaths and more than 390 suspected cases, as stated by the Africa CDC. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Without approved vaccines and treatments, officials are urging strict adherence to public health guidelines, particularly concerning funerals of victims. Neighboring countries are also on high alert to prevent the spread of the virus.
At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has stated.
Jean Kaseya warned that with no approved drugs or vaccines, people should follow public health measures, including those related to funerals of Ebola victims.
There are also two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus an international emergency.
An American doctor working in the DR Congo is among those confirmed to have contracted the virus and will be evacuated to Germany for treatment. The CDC is also supporting a safe withdrawal of other American citizens who may have been exposed.
In efforts to control the outbreak, the WHO has warned that the current outbreak could present a larger threat than previously detected, indicating a significant risk for local and regional spread.
With historical parallels drawn to the massive outbreak from 2014-2016 that infected over 28,600 people, Kaseya emphasized the importance of following public health measures, especially for those attending funerals, which were significant transmission events in previous outbreaks.
