World Health Organization Declares Congo Ebola Emergency
The World Health Organization declared an Ebola emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the highest level of global health alert.
Over 1,200 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported across Congo and Uganda. At least 241 people have died.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo type of Ebola. There is no approved vaccine or treatment for this type.
Health workers are opening new treatment centers and increasing testing. Years of war in Congo have weakened health services.
This makes fighting the outbreak harder. A football match between Congo and Chile was also cancelled.
It was scheduled for next week in Spain. Health concerns over the outbreak led to the cancellation.
Klear Note — Ebola is a deadly virus spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. The WHO's highest alert means the world must work together to stop it.
Key Terms 4
- World Health Organization A United Nations body that monitors and responds to global health threats
- Ebola A serious and often deadly virus that spreads through contact with infected people
- Bundibugyo A type of Ebola virus with no approved vaccine or treatment
- global health emergency The highest alert the World Health Organization can declare for a disease outbreak