WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak In Congo As Global Public Health Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

The agency added that the outbreak in the east of the country, despite 246 cases and nearly 90 deaths, did not constitute a pandemic.

World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that there was still uncertainty about the true number of people infected with the virus and the number of cases in different parts of the country.

The WHO said there was no approved treatment or vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola that has emerged this time.

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Congo’s Health Minister, Samuel-Roger Kamba, said there was currently no treatment or vaccine available.

He added that most of those who died did not seek medical attention – instead, they had visited religious places for help.

The WHO said there are eight laboratories that have confirmed the outbreak, with three other health centers in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, and the cities of Mongwalu and Rwampara.