Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda: WHO declares global health emergency

 

 

 

P.P. Cherian

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international health emergency following the outbreak of a rare strain of Ebola virus in Congo and Uganda. So far, 80 people have died due to the disease.

The disease is spreading in the Mongbwalu, Bunia and Rampara health zones, which are border areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

So far, 8 deaths and 246 suspected cases have been reported. This includes health workers who treated the patients. The first case was reported on April 24. The US-based IUU has currently issued a 'Level 2' alert.

The dangerous variant of Ebola called 'Bundibugyo' is currently spreading. This is the first time this variant has re-emerged since 2012.

The concern is that currently available Ebola vaccines or drugs (Inmazeb, Ebanga, Ervebo, etc.) are not effective against this 'Bundibugyo' variant. The virus is transmitted to humans from bats or monkeys. It can spread rapidly to other humans through the blood and body fluids of infected people.