WHO declares international emergency due to Ebola outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just declared an international public health emergency regarding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This dangerous disease has claimed the lives of at least 80 people in Congo and is showing signs of spreading rapidly across borders.

According to the WHO report, this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. As of the end of last week, the Ituri province of Congo had recorded 80 suspected deaths, 8 confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases. The epidemic has now swept through three main regions: Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.

The situation became particularly serious when the epidemic spread beyond Congo's borders. In Kampala, the capital of neighboring Uganda, health officials detected two cases of infection, one of whom died. Both cases involved individuals who had recently returned from Congo. Even in Kinshasa, Congo's own capital, a case of infection was recorded in a person who had traveled from the Ituri epidemic zone.

Given the complex situation, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued an urgent warning about cross-infection within the community. Currently, healthcare workers are racing against time to screen and trace those who have been in contact with the pathogen.

In Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, an atmosphere of fear prevails. Local residents say they witness daily scenes of mourning. Many are extremely worried as they see their neighbors dying in large numbers for unknown reasons. According to experts, Ebola is a highly contagious disease transmitted through bodily fluids (such as blood and vomit) and has an extremely high mortality rate.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, stated that the initial outbreak originated in Mongwalu – a mining area with a high volume of people passing through. When infected miners traveled to nearby areas such as Rwampara and Bunia to seek medical help, they inadvertently spread the disease. The large number of people carrying the virus in the community remains a significant challenge in containing the outbreak.

Despite having faced and dealt with Ebola outbreaks many times before, Congo is still facing enormous logistical challenges. The vast geographical distance – from the affected area of ​​Ituri to the capital Kinshasa is up to 1,000 km – coupled with the unstable security situation due to constant attacks by armed rebel groups, has severely hampered the transportation of medicines, medical supplies, and relief efforts by expert teams.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/who-ban-bo-tinh-trang-khan-cap-quoc-te-vi-dich-ebola.html