The World Health Organization has declared a “global health emergency” after an Ebola outbreak surfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). So far, there are at least eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths reported in DRC, along with two additional cases in Uganda.

Red Cross volunteers have already been going door-to-door to share health information. They are also helping to identify suspected cases, support contact tracing, and combat misinformation surrounding the outbreak.

The DRC and Uganda confirmed their first Ebola cases on Friday. On the same day, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) stated that 13 out of 20 tested samples had returned positive for the virus.

The WHO warned that the outbreak could already be spreading beyond what surveillance systems are catching, while stopping short of labeling the situation a “pandemic emergency.”

According to WHO data, at least eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths have been recorded in DR Congo’s eastern Ituri Province, while Uganda confirmed two imported cases in Kampala. Both patients in Uganda had recently traveled from the DR Congo and were admitted to intensive care units. –RT

Health officials familiar with the outbreak stated that unusual clusters of deaths and infections among medical workers point to possible widespread community transmission and serious “gaps” in hospital infection control.

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The Zaire strain of Ebola is more common than the currently circulating Bundibugyo virus. There are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for the Bundibugyo virus. “As such, this event is considered extraordinary,” health officials said.

Bundibugyo virus is a rare strain of Ebola first identified in Uganda in 2007. Scientists believe it is naturally carried by fruit bats and can spread to humans through contact with infected animals before transmitting between people through bodily fluids.

This outbreak marked the 17th recorded Ebola epidemic in the DRC since the virus was first identified there in 1976.

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