WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over New Ebola Strain in Central Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a 'public health emergency of international concern' due to a new strain of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo Ebolavirus, spreading rapidly through central Africa. The outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with significant uncertainties regarding the number of infected individuals and the geographic spread. The WHO is responding by airlifting supplies to affected areas, including infection prevention materials and laboratory equipment. The outbreak has resulted in at least 80 suspected deaths and nearly 250 suspected cases. The Bundibugyo strain, first identified in Uganda in 2007, has no approved vaccines or treatments, unlike the more common Zaire strain.