Home / Health / Ebola Spreads to Uganda: WHO Warns of High Risk
Ebola Spreads to Uganda: WHO Warns of High Risk
9 Jun
Summary
- Ebola outbreak in DRC expands, reaching Uganda with confirmed cases.
- WHO warns of very high risk for DRC and high risk for Uganda.
- African nations launch $518 million plan to combat the outbreak.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is accelerating, characterized by increasing case numbers and wider geographic distribution. The situation has escalated with cross-border transmission to Uganda, prompting a grave assessment from the World Health Organization (WHO).
As of Sunday, the DRC has registered 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, with all infections linked to the ongoing outbreak in the DRC, indicating both imported cases and secondary transmission.
This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe form of Ebola. The virus, believed to originate in fruit bats, spreads through close contact with infected animals or bodily fluids of infected people. The Bundibugyo strain, while less common than the Zaire strain, remains capable of causing severe illness and death.
In a concerted effort, national authorities, in collaboration with WHO and partners, are implementing response measures. A joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan was launched on June 5, aiming to secure $518 million to bolster African countries' capabilities in detection and response.
