The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is causing serious concern among global medical professionals due to the complex situation in the region and a rare type of virus for which there are no approved vaccines or medicines. This was reported by the BBC, according to UNN.
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According to the World Health Organization, the virus spread unnoticed for weeks in conflict-ridden areas of the country. To date, nearly 250 suspected cases and about 80 deaths have already been recorded.
In Congo, the death toll from the new Ebola outbreak has risen to 80 – AP16.05.26, 16:11
The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, although experts emphasize that the risk of a global pandemic remains low.
The virus is spreading in a war zone
This refers to the rare Ebola Bundibugyo strain, which has previously caused only two outbreaks – in 2007 and 2012. The fatality rate of this type of virus is about 30%, and the lack of approved drugs significantly complicates the fight against the disease.
Following the DR Congo, Uganda confirms a new Ebola virus outbreak16.05.26, 03:40
The WHO warns that the situation is particularly dangerous due to the hostilities in eastern Congo, where hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes. Furthermore, the infection clusters are located in mining areas with high population mobility, increasing the risk of the virus spreading to neighboring countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, and Rwanda.
Uganda has already confirmed two cases of infection, one of which was fatal. Experts emphasize that the key task now is the rapid identification of the infected, isolation of contacts, and control of the virus's spread in hospitals and communities.
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda an international emergency17.05.26, 07:05