Ebola outbreak causes 88 deaths: WHO declares global health emergency
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With over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths, Bundibugyo virus, one of the six species of Ebolavirus, has triggered an outbreak in Uganda and Congo. Following the developments, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Sunday. There are significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infected persons and the geographic spread of the disease, at this time, says the WHO on its website. The outbreak also requires international cooperation and coordination for surveillance, response and prevention efforts, said the organisation.
What is the Ebola virus?
Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever that damages blood vessels. Though Ebola is often termed a rare infection, it is also life-threatening at the same time. It spreads through contact with body fluids of infected individuals or animals, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are several Ebola strains, and the Bundibugyo virus, which has currently spread in Africa, is one of them. Interestingly, the Mayo Clinic terms it a strain less likely to cause death than its other dangerous variants.
Ebola vaccine
There are no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for Ebola at the moment. However, there are treatments which largely focus on managing symptoms and complications. Antibody treatments such as 'Ebanga' and 'Inmazeb' are also used to fight the virus.
Symptoms of Ebola infection
a) Flu
b) Bleeding
c) Vomiting
d) Neurological disorders
e) Chills
f) Loss of appetite
g) Sore throat
h) Muscle pin
i) Fatigue
Travel restrictions
The American health authorities have issued a travel warning to their citizens amid the outbreak. However, the WHO says it doesn't recommend broad travel or trade restrictions at the moment. Only confirmed and probable cases, and high-risk contacts, are barred from international travel.
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