In brief
An outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in at least 100 deaths and over 390 suspected cases. With the strain identified as the Bundibugyo virus, the World Health Organization has declared the situation an international emergency. Officials advise following public health measures due to the lack of approved vaccines or treatments.
At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has told the BBC.
Jean Kaseya warned that with no approved drugs or vaccines people should follow public health measures, including at funerals of Ebola victims.
There are also two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the current strain of Ebola, which is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, an international emergency.
An American doctor in DR Congo is among those with a confirmed case, the medical missionary group they were working with and the CDC has said. The individual will now be taken to Germany for treatment.
The CDC said it is supporting the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans who are directly affected amid ongoing public health threats. It has implemented measures to monitor travelers and prevent the disease from entering the US.
The WHO has expressed that the situation could lead to a much larger outbreak than currently detected, with significant risks for local and regional populations. The agency continues to stress the importance of adhering to public health directives, especially during community funerals that have previously contributed to the spread of the virus.
