WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Health Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak a public health emergency. The outbreak covers the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
More than 300 suspected cases and at least 88 deaths have been reported. Cases have been confirmed in the capitals of both countries.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. This is only the third known outbreak of this specific strain.
No approved vaccine exists for this strain. The WHO said the outbreak does not meet the level of a pandemic emergency.
The WHO also advised against closing international borders. At least 4 healthcare workers have died.
Sources say this points to possible gaps in infection prevention inside health facilities. Reports say conflict and high movement of people in eastern Congo are raising the risk of wider spread.
Key Terms 4
- World Health Organization UN body that monitors and responds to global health threats
- public health emergency Formal WHO alert meaning a disease needs urgent global action
- Bundibugyo strain A rare type of Ebola virus with no approved vaccine
- pandemic emergency A higher WHO alert level meaning disease is spreading worldwide