WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency
The WHO has declared an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a «public health emergency of international concern». Caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, with no approved treatments, it has led to 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases. The rapid spread and high lethality rate of up to 50% are causing significant concern.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a «public health emergency of international concern». This outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has no approved therapeutics or vaccines. As of now, 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases have been reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa).
The Bundibugyo virus has a lethality rate of up to 50%, contrasting with the Zaire strain, which has a 60-90% fatality rate and available vaccines. The current outbreak marks only the third time the Bundibugyo virus has been reported, with previous occurrences in Uganda (2007-2008) and Congo (2012). The WHO noted that all but two cases are in the DRC, with those two in Uganda.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is preparing a «large-scale response», citing the rapid spread as «extremely concerning». Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infected persons and geographic spread, indicating a potentially much larger outbreak with high regional risk. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or broken skin, with an incubation period of up to 21 days.