According to the WHO, nearly 600 suspected cases of Ebola and at least 139 deaths have been reported in the latest outbreak in eastern DR Congo.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the epidemic could worsen rapidly, citing several factors that accelerate the spread of the virus.
According to the WHO, the number of cases is expected to increase further because the Ebola virus may have been "circulating for weeks" before health authorities detected the outbreak.
Cases of the disease have been identified in several urban areas, including deaths among healthcare workers, raising concerns about transmission within healthcare facilities.
The crisis was further exacerbated by mass displacement and insecurity in Ituri province, which recorded the highest number of suspected deaths.
More than 100,000 people are believed to have fled escalating violence in recent months.
"Ituri province is in a state of serious insecurity," Ghebreyesus declared.
The WHO Director-General also warned that this outbreak is linked to the Ebola Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
The affected area is a mining region with constant population movement, increasing the risk of the virus spreading further in the area.
Several countries have imposed emergency restrictions.
The U.S. has banned entry for non-U.S. citizens who have visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
Bahrain has suspended entry for foreign visitors from these three African countries for 30 days, while Jordan has also suspended entry for visitors from DR Congo and Uganda.
African countries are also tightening measures to combat Ebola.
Burundi, Zambia, and Tanzania have stepped up border controls, surveillance, and testing capacity, while Rwanda has temporarily closed its border with DR Congo.
DR Congo and Uganda confirmed their first cases of Ebola on May 15th.
The WHO declared this outbreak a global public health emergency on May 17th.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/who-dich-ebola-bung-phat-du-doi-tai-congo-post778541.html
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