Additional Coverage:
- How is Ebola spread? What to know about causes, symptoms (usatoday.com)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an outbreak of a rare Ebola strain in central Africa a public health emergency of international concern. This decision follows the death of at least 80 people and nearly 250 suspected cases reported in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the actual number likely higher.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on May 17 that the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola. Neighboring Uganda has confirmed two cases in its capital, Kampala-including one fatality-among travelers from Congo with no known connection. Additionally, a confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, involving someone returning from Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter.
While the WHO states the spread has not reached pandemic levels, health experts suggest the risk to Americans remains low. For context, the largest Ebola outbreak on record occurred between 2013 and 2016, resulting in over 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths across 10 countries.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated its emergency response center and is coordinating with partners to support surveillance, contact tracing, and other preventive efforts in the affected regions.
Understanding Ebola
Ebola is a severe viral infection that damages blood vessels and can be fatal without treatment. It is caused by orthoebolaviruses, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected wild animals like fruit bats, porcupines, and non-human primates, with fruit bats considered natural hosts.
Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or bodily fluids of infected individuals, or contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing. Importantly, individuals are not contagious before symptoms appear but remain infectious as long as the virus is present in their blood.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms typically develop within two to 21 days after exposure, starting with general signs such as fever, aches, and fatigue. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms emerge, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, and unexplained bleeding. Additional signs may involve chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, red eyes, hiccups, and seizures.
Ebola’s early symptoms can resemble those of other diseases such as malaria and typhoid fever, making clinical diagnosis challenging without laboratory testing.
Vaccination and Prevention
The FDA has approved the Ervebo vaccine for preventing Ebola caused by the Orthoebolavirus zairense species. It is recommended for adults at risk of exposure but is administered only under specific criteria. The WHO also recognizes two vaccines-Ervebo and a two-dose regimen of Zabdeno and Mvabea-and endorses Ervebo in outbreak responses.
Health officials urge those at potential risk to consult their medical providers promptly to determine appropriate preventive measures.
As the situation develops, global health agencies continue to monitor and respond to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
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- How is Ebola spread? What to know about causes, symptoms (usatoday.com)