WHO Declares Ebola Emergency in Congo Outbreak
The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 130 people have been killed.
Between 500 and 531 suspected cases have been reported. The outbreak was first reported over the weekend.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is spreading in Congo. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain.
That makes the outbreak harder to fight. WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he is deeply concerned about the speed of the outbreak.
The WHO is holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland. A WHO official warned the outbreak is unlikely to end within two months.
The outbreak has spread beyond Congo. Two confirmed cases were found in Kampala, Uganda.
Another case was found in Kinshasa, Congo's capital. Travel warnings have been issued for people who recently visited Uganda, Congo or South Sudan. A US citizen who got Ebola in Congo has been taken to Germany for treatment.
Key Terms 5
- World Health Organization UN body that monitors and responds to global health threats
- Ebola Deadly virus spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids
- Bundibugyo strain A rare type of Ebola with no approved vaccine or treatment
- Ebola emergency WHO's highest alert level for a fast-spreading disease outbreak
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director general and top leader of the World Health Organization