Ebola outbreak in Congo poses 'very high' risk, WHO chief says
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the risk level of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to "very high" nationally, citing rapid spread of the disease.
- As of now, 82 Ebola cases and seven deaths have been confirmed in the DRC, with nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, indicating the outbreak is larger than reported.
- The risk of regional spread remains high, while the global risk is considered low; neighboring Uganda has two confirmed cases linked to travel from Congo, with one death.
- The United Nations has released $60 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to support the response in Congo and the region, while the U.S. has pledged $23 million and plans to fund up to 50 Ebola treatment clinics.
- Ugandan authorities have stated they are not aware of any U.S.-established treatment centers currently being set up in their country.