WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concern

(Reuters/Al Arabiya) The World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” posing risks to neighboring countries. The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency but that countries sharing land borders with the DRC are at high risk for further spread. The UN health agency said in a statement that 80 suspected deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases had been reported as of Saturday in the DRC’s Ituri province across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. – WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concern