Ebola outbreak worsens as fatality rate tops 46%, nears pandemic level
Africa’s worsening Ebola outbreak is showing several characteristics that could warrant its escalation to a pandemic-emergency status, as the fatality rate has climbed above 46% and health systems in affected areas come under increasing pressure. The post Ebola outbreak worsens as fatality rate tops 46%, nears pandemic level appeared first on Nairametrics .
The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to extend its alert level for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is the highest alert for infectious diseases. The Ebola virus has killed over 2,300 people and infected nearly 5,000 others in the north-eastern region of DRC since mid-May. The disease is spreading rapidly in Eastern and Northeastern DRC, surpassing the country's previous worst outbreak between 2018 and 2020.
Health experts believe that delayed detection and community mistrust are making it difficult to contain the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a coordinated international response to the crisis. The Ebola outbreak in DRC is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. Health experts are urging for more funding to help manage the outbreak.
Reports from the DRC suggest that citizens are delaying reporting Ebola-infected relatives. This is causing difficulties in tracking the spread of the disease and providing necessary medical assistance.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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