Ebola Virus Outbreak: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on Sunday declaring the Ebola virus outbreak spreading in Congo and Uganda an international public health emergency.
WHO has clearly said that although this situation is not yet taking the form of an epidemic, the situation is quite serious. So far, 246 suspected cases have been reported in Congo’s Ituri province, including 80 deaths.
8 cases have been confirmed in lab tests. Most of the cases have come in gold mining areas like Mongwalu and Ravampara. Uganda has also reported two confirmed cases, with one person dying.
What is Ebola virus and how does it spread?
Ebola is an extremely dangerous virus, spread mainly through direct contact with the blood, vomit, sweat or other body fluids of an infected person. This virus is believed to have originated from bats. Symptoms initially seem normal, such as high fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. Later, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes and body bleeding may occur. Its mortality rate is said to be around 50 percent on an average.
Health officials are saying that the infection may increase further due to movement of people in mining areas, spread in urban areas and cross border traffic with neighboring countries. Surveillance has been increased in nearby countries including Uganda and South Sudan. There has been no local spread in Uganda yet, but the risk remains. The Congolese government is also trying to prevent this in collaboration with neighboring countries.
It is noteworthy that due to this virus, which was first identified in 1976, so far about 15,000 people have lost their lives in Africa. The largest outbreak in Congo between 2018-2020 resulted in more than 2,300 deaths. There is currently no definitive treatment, but supportive treatment and available vaccines increase patients’ chances of survival.
WHO and Africa CDC have appealed to all countries to remain vigilant, take travel precautions and seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear. Citizens are being advised to be cautious in crowded areas and follow the guidelines issued by the Health Department. The situation is being monitored and further information will be released as needed.