The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency following an Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This decision comes after reports indicated that approximately 80 people died from the virus in Congo.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) reported that, as of Sunday, there are over 330 suspected cases, with nearly 90 deaths in Congo. The outbreak initially surfaced in the northeastern Ituri Province. Laboratory tests have confirmed only 10 of these cases as linked to the virus, while two cases have been confirmed in Uganda.

The outbreak has been classified by the W.H.O. as “a public health emergency of international concern.” Efforts are underway to evacuate a small number of American individuals directly impacted by the outbreak, according to the C.D.C.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This strain is rare, with limited field tests and no targeted vaccine or treatment available, presenting challenges in containment efforts.

Understanding Ebola

Ebola is a severe illness caused by orthoebolaviruses. It was first identified in 1976 in regions now known as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically near the Ebola River. The Zaire Ebola virus is the most prevalent species of this virus.