WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Due to Ebola Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency in response to an Ebola outbreak impacting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This decision follows a disturbing rise in cases and fatalities.

As of Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 330 suspected cases with close to 90 deaths in Congo. The outbreak originated in the northeastern region of Ituri Province. Laboratory tests have confirmed 10 cases linked to the Ebola virus. Notably, Uganda has also confirmed two Ebola cases.

On Saturday, the WHO labeled the outbreak as “a public health emergency of international concern.” In response, the CDC stated that efforts are underway to evacuate a small number of Americans directly impacted by the outbreak.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This particular type is rare and presents challenges due to limited field tests, and the lack of a specific vaccine or treatment. This exacerbates the difficulty in containing the virus.

Understanding Ebola

Ebola is a severe illness caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses. The disease was first identified in 1976 in areas now called South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the Ebola River. The Zaire Ebola virus is the most prevalent species among them.