Americans in DR Congo Possibly Exposed to Ebola in New Outbreak
Several US citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo are believed to have had high-risk exposure to suspected Ebola cases in the country's latest outbreak, with at least one possibly developing symptoms, according to STAT News. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after 80 suspected deaths. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is escalating its response by deploying additional staff and providing technical support, including laboratory testing and contact tracing, through its country offices. CDC incident manager Satish Pillai stated the risk to the United States remains low. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. Transmission occurs when infected individuals are symptomatic.
Key facts
- Several US citizens in DR Congo had high-risk exposure to suspected Ebola cases.
- At least one American may have developed symptoms.
- WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
- 80 suspected deaths have been reported in DR Congo and Uganda.
- CDC is escalating response with additional staff and technical support.
- CDC incident manager Satish Pillai said risk to US remains low.
- Outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain.
- No approved vaccine or treatment exists for this strain.
Entities
Institutions
- STAT News
- World Health Organization
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Reuters
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Locations
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Uganda
- United States
- Germany