The World Health Organization stated that the Ebola outbreak might be significantly bigger than what is currently being identified and reported. It raised concerns about health threats to other nations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday announced an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a “public health emergency of international concern.”
The World Health Organization stated that the outbreak does not fulfill the conditions of a pandemic emergency but cautioned that nations with land borders adjacent to the DRC are at significant risk of additional spread.
‘Very high lethality rate’
The outbreak, triggered by the Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in numerous deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,The World Health Organization stated in a release.
A total of 80 probable fatalities, eight lab-verified cases, and 246 suspected cases were reported in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of Saturday.
The Bundibugyo strain lacks a vaccine and has no targeted therapy,” stated DRC’s Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba, according to AFP. “This particular strain exhibits a very high fatality rate, which can go up to 50%.
The capital of Uganda, Kampala, reported two laboratory-confirmed cases, one of which resulted in a death, on Friday and Saturday, involving individuals who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the WHO.
What you should know about Ebola
Ebola, thought to have started in bats,may lead to serious bleeding and failure of internal organs.
The A virus transmits between individuals via body fluidsor contact with the blood of an infected individual.
This is the 17th Ebola epidemic to affect the DRC.
The illness has resulted in the deaths of approximately 15,000 individuals in Africa during the last half-century.
Much larger outbreak?
The World Health Organization stated that the outbreak might be significantly bigger than what is currently being identified and reported.
It highlighted the high rate of positive results among the first samples and the growing number of suspected cases being reported.
A medical assistance organization known as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) characterized the quick spread of the outbreak as “very worrying.” The non-profit organization stated it was getting ready for a “comprehensive response” to address the situation.
The World Health Organization stated that the outbreak also presents a health threat to other nations.
It urged countries to initiate their national disaster and emergency management systems and carry out cross-border inspections.
At the same time, the global health organization advised nations against closing their borders or limiting travel and commerce due to fear. It mentioned that these actions might have unintended consequences, resulting in unmonitored informal border crossings by individuals and goods.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
Author: Srinivas Mazumdaru (with Reuters, AFP)
