A new wave of Ebola has broken out in the Congo: dozens of people have died
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported its 17th Ebola outbreak, which has already claimed the lives of 80 people. This time, the disease was likely caused by the little-studied Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, rather than the more common Zaire ebolavirus.
This was reported by Reuters.
According to the Congolese Ministry of Health, 246 suspected cases have been reported so far. The first victim was a nurse who exhibited symptoms of fever, bleeding, vomiting, and severe weakness.
The WHO has already sent experts to the country and allocated $500,000 to combat the outbreak. The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urgently convened a meeting with neighboring countries due to the risk of the infection spreading.
Experts warn that the response may be more difficult, as existing vaccines and treatments were developed primarily against a different strain of Ebola. Uganda has also reported a death from the new outbreak; however, according to preliminary data, the infection was brought there from the Congo.
We also reported: Among the crew members of the MV Hondius, where an outbreak of hantavirus was detected, are five Ukrainian citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that no signs of a deterioration in their health have been detected so far.
The disease on board the MV Hondius, owned by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, which has claimed the lives of three passengers, may have been introduced by Argentine rats or mice.
