Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Spreads to Sixth Province
Ebola has spread to a sixth province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A man died in Bas-Uele province after traveling from Haut-Uele.
Bas-Uele had not been affected before. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya reported the spread on Thursday.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus. No approved vaccines or treatments exist for this virus.
The outbreak began months before it was declared on May 15. It has killed more than 2100 people out of more than 4500 cases.
Officials say the virus is spreading rapidly. Many new cases are appearing outside monitored contacts.
Conflict, population movement, poor roads and limited communication make access difficult. The World Health Organization warned the outbreak could surpass the deadliest ever.
That outbreak killed more than 11000 people over a decade ago. Clinical trials for new treatments and vaccines have begun. Health officials are also checking if an existing vaccine could help.
Key Terms 4
- Bundibugyo virus A rare strain of the Ebola virus.
- Africa CDC Africa's health agency that tracks disease outbreaks.
- World Health Organization United Nations agency that leads global health efforts.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo A large country in central Africa.