WHO Reports Undetected Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa, Raises Concerns Over Vaccine Availability
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that an Ebola outbreak likely began months ago in central Africa, spreading undetected until a super-spreader event in early May. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which was identified in blood samples on May 15. The first confirmed death occurred on April 20, and the virus's spread was reconstructed using social media posts. The outbreak has been complicated by the use of tests for a different Ebola strain, leading to false negatives, and the similarity of symptoms to malaria. The WHO has recorded nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The organization warns that the actual number of cases could exceed 800, with a worst-case scenario reaching 1,000. A WHO technical advisory group is prioritizing potential vaccines, but the most promising candidate may take six to nine months to be ready for clinical trials. 
