Ebola likely circulating in Congo for two months, outbreak to grow, WHO says - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi3AFBVV95cUxOQXdqX0dMNmMyMnEyM21QUldncVg4UUI1T0c2OTVmbVFmcko4S1JVckVpdkRDYzROajhzcWQzdGRjNU5MdGc4SWpDQmRubkNsdDJDaWpubUxkeWlEam5ydFFsY01VOFlULWRUZDYyZElIZnFvazI1VE9fekRZdGVYa2dYU0U5SmNacjI3UWZzdWY4MHgwQS1PeWxnWUFyUFNrb0VsSVR5bUlWbHFiMmhKbTlMd0prMkxWcDROZVRIdEFaSGhZcC1pSXZ5blh1cE9xVncxZ3I3dkJNLWpx?oc=5" target="_blank">Ebola likely circulating in Congo for two months, outbreak to grow, WHO says</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a “public health emergency of international concern.” The outbreak has resulted in over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths, including cases spreading to Uganda and the rebel-held Congolese city of Goma. This is only the third outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments. While the WHO clarified that this is not yet a pandemic emergency, it warned of a potentially escalating outbreak and emphasized the need for international coordination due to the risk of further regional and cross-border spread. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledged that a few Americans in the DRC might have been exposed, with some possibly requiring medical evacuation. However, the risk to the American public is currently considered low.

A recent outbreak of Bundibugyo virus, a rare species of Ebola virus, is suspected of killing over 130 people in the Congo. This virus has caused only two previous outbreaks, both in the Congo River basin. Because Bundibugyo is less common than other Ebola virus species, there are currently no specific treatments or vaccines, and clinical trials for a candidate vaccine are still six to nine months away. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, posing high risks for healthcare workers and caregivers. While Bundibugyo may have a slightly lower mortality rate (around 30%) compared to other Ebola strains, it remains extremely deadly. Supportive care like intravenous or oral fluids can help reduce the mortality rate. Public health responses now focus on contact tracing, isolating cases, providing personal protective equipment to health workers, and community education—especially around safe burial practices. Despite the challenges posed by the lack of vaccines, experts highlight that all 16 previous Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been successfully contained, emphasizing the effectiveness of fundamental public health measures.