According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 500 people are suspected to have been infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 130 people are believed to have died.
Health authorities fear, according to Everyday Health, that the disease could spread more rapidly because several infected individuals traveled around the region before being identified.
Experts say the virus may have spread undetected for several weeks because some tests do not work effectively against this particular variant.
Hospitals under pressure
Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, and feces. The disease initially causes symptoms such as fever and headaches, which can make it difficult to detect in its early stages.
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According to U.S. health authorities, several healthcare workers have been infected during the outbreak. This highlights the importance of protective equipment and rapid isolation measures.
WHO and the CDC state that patients can later develop severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and internal bleeding.
No approved vaccine
What makes this outbreak especially concerning is that it is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. There is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this specific variant.
The United States has therefore introduced additional screening measures for travelers arriving from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. However, American experts still assess the risk of transmission in the United States as very low.
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Researchers point in particular to the lack of a vaccine and the delayed detection of the virus as the reasons behind the growing international concern.
Sources: Everyday Health, WHO, and CDC.
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