In brief
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces severe health challenges as an Ebola outbreak leads to over 100 deaths and more than 390 suspected infections. The Africa CDC emphasizes necessary public health precautions, stressing the lack of approved treatments while the WHO has declared the outbreak an international emergency. Neighboring countries like Uganda are also affected, and there are confirmed cases abroad, prompting increased screening and preventive measures across the region.
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 told the BBC. Jean Kaseya warned that with no approved drugs or vaccines people should follow public health measures, including at 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 current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, an international emergency. In a troubling escalation, an American doctor in the DR Congo has been diagnosed with the virus and is set to be evacuated for treatment in Germany.We don't want people infected because of funerals, Kaseya emphasized, referring to the past outbreaks where funerals contributed to the spread of the virus. The WHO advises the countries with confirmed cases to strengthen cross-border screenings and enhance community preparedness. Rwanda is tightening its screening processes at its border with DR Congo, reflecting a proactive stance amid growing concerns about regional spread.
