Updated World Health Organization figures showed the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, had grown to more than 800 suspected cases with a death toll climbing past 180 by May 22.
Health zones affected include Mongbwalu, Rwampara and Bunia, where isolation facilities are treating suspected cases while laboratories confirm infections. Case fatality rates for Bundibugyo virus historically range from 30 to 50 percent in prior outbreaks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern about the epidemic’s scale and speed after declaring a public health emergency of international concern. Uganda reported imported cases in Kampala with patients admitted to intensive care.
Response teams are deploying experimental treatment trials, protective gear and community educators while appealing for international funding. Experts described eastern Congo’s combination of armed conflict, mining migration and weak clinics as among the most challenging environments for Ebola control globally.
WHO assessed Uganda’s national risk as high after Kampala intensive care units admitted imported cases from Ituri within a single day. Emergency appeals seek funding for treatment beds, personal protective equipment and paid community mobilizers in mining areas with transient workers. Tedros said on May 17 he was deeply concerned about the epidemic’s scale and speed as neighboring nations activated cross-border preparedness plans.
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Sources:
https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/ebola-outbreak-in-central-africa-will-be-a-nightmare-to-contain-experts-warn