As the first round of symptoms,which show within 21 days,resemble the common cold or flu,many Ebola cases go undiagnosed.
Ebola is mainly spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected,sick or dead person,or contaminated objects like clothing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ but a pandemic is unlikely.
The type of Ebola virus behind the outbreak, known as Bundibugyo,is rare. There is no vaccine or treatment.
It’s not clear when the outbreak began but Africa’s leading public health authority said last week that 65 deaths from Ebola had been reported.
Misinformation is one of the main drivers of the current outbreak (Picture: AFP)
The authority,the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,suspects as many as 671 people could be sickened with Ebola.
The Bundibugyo strain is also tearing through Uganda,where two cases and one death have been reported so far in Kampala,it added.
@metrouk The World Health Organisation has officially declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo as an ‘emergency of international concern’. Officials have stressed that whilst this isn’t a global pandemic like Covid,there’s concern about regional spread after cases have crossed into Uganda. Ebola is spread through bodily fluids and this strain is the Bundibugyo virus,which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. 🎥 @zofia_louise #worldnews #ebola #congo #vaccine
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The first known case involved a healthcare worker whose symptoms began on April 24 and who later died at a medical facility in Bunia.
As test results continue to come in,health officials expect this number to rise to as many as 1,000 – if it’s not already that high.
Ebola can only be transmitted when symptoms begin (Picture: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)
Fears of spread are high as many in Ituri have been displaced by a conflict which has gouged hospitals and slowed down efforts to contain the virus.
Ituri is also home to migrant labourers,drawn to the province’s gold mines,who often hop borders.
Public transport,flights and ferries between Uganda and the DRC have been suspended.
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