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The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to combat a growing Ebola outbreak. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned of a 'catastrophic collision between disease and conflict' as suspected cases approach 900 and attacks on health facilities undermine response efforts.
The WHO chief has warned that conflict in eastern DRC is hampering Ebola containment, with at least 10 confirmed deaths and 900 suspected cases since mid-May. He said the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, and fighting is making humanitarian access impossible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading faster than response efforts, urging neighboring countries to take urgent action. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 220 suspected Ebola deaths have been recorded, and civilian attacks on health facilities in Ituri province are hampering response efforts.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on February 17 reported 220 suspected deaths in the current Ebola outbreak and acknowledged the disease is outpacing response efforts due to delayed case detection. The outbreak, centered in Ituri province in northeastern DRC, has spread to neighboring provinces and crossed into Uganda, with no vaccine or treatment for the new Bundibugyo strain. Attacks on treatment facilities in the DRC have disrupted response efforts, as authorities impose restrictions on gatherings and burials.
Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases on Saturday, raising the total to five. The new cases include a driver and a health worker linked to the first confirmed patient, amid intensified contact tracing and heightened risk assessments by the WHO.
WHO confirms the 12th hantavirus case on the MV Hondius cruise ship, involving a Dutch crew member now hospitalized. The agency calls for continued monitoring of passengers across 30 countries as the outbreak, linked to rodent exposure, has caused three deaths.
The WHO has raised the DRC Ebola outbreak risk to 'very high' after suspected cases tripled to nearly 750 in a week, with 177 suspected deaths. Community mistrust and aid cuts are hampering the response, as an attack on a treatment center in Ituri further complicates efforts. Officials warn the situation is 'extremely concerning,' though improved detection may explain some of the surge.
The World Health Organization raised the risk level for the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo from high to very high on May 30, as the Bundibugyo virus strain spreads rapidly. With 82 confirmed cases and 7 deaths, authorities in Ituri province have imposed restrictions on gatherings and funerals to curb transmission.
Iran has called on the World Health Organization to boost medical aid amid US and Israeli sanctions that are crippling its healthcare system. Tehran faces critical shortages of medicines and equipment, jeopardizing millions of lives. The WHO has yet to respond, but may push for humanitarian exemptions.
