Ebola risk raised to ‘very high’ in DR Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from “high” to “very high.”
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no proven vaccine, has resulted in 177 suspected deaths and 750 suspected cases.
WHO Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that while the DRC’s national risk is very high, the regional risk remains high, and globally it is low.
Oxford University scientists are developing a new vaccine based on the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine technology, with animal testing already underway, while the Serum Institute of India is prepared for mass production once the medical-grade material is available.
An additional experimental vaccine is expected to take more time for testing.
Current statistics note 82 confirmed cases and 7 confirmed deaths in DRC, while Uganda reports two cases and one death linked to travel from DRC.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of building trust amidst violence and insecurity affecting the outbreak response, particularly in rebel-held areas where cases have been reported.
Tensions have escalated in response to health workers’ refusal to release the bodies of Ebola victims for safe burial, leading to protests and violent incidents at hospitals.
The WHO declared a public health emergency but clarified it is not at the level of a pandemic.
Authorities stress the need for safe burial practices to prevent further transmission of the virus, as the bodies of victims are highly infectious.
