What to know about the Ebola outbreak now declared a global health emergency

Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain that currently has no approved vaccines or treatments. So far, there are over 330 suspected cases and 88 deaths. The virus is spreading in remote mining areas, making it difficult for health workers to track due to poor roads and local conflicts. While Ebola is highly contagious through bodily fluids, the WHO stresses that this is not a global pandemic like COVID-19, and international borders should remain open. Health officials are urgently mobilizing teams and asking for funding to help stop the spread.

Source: PBS NewsHour / Associated Press URL: pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-ebola-outbreak-that-the-who-has-declared-a-global-health-emergency (opens in new tab)