The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to a rare Ebola variant outbreak in eastern Congo, with at least 131 deaths and over 500 suspected cases. The virus spread undetected for weeks after initial tests for a more common strain came back negative.
No approved vaccines or medicines exist for this Bundibugyo variant. - At least 131 suspected deaths and 513 suspected cases reported in eastern Congo.
- The outbreak has spread to urban areas including Bunia and Goma, with one death in Uganda. - An American doctor is among the confirmed cases; false negative tests delayed the response.
- WHO says it will take at least two months for any potential vaccine to become available. Health officials are rushing resources to affected provinces, but challenges include rebel control in some areas and a humanitarian crisis.
Breaking the transmission chain through public health measures is the primary goal, as 15 of 17 previous Ebola epidemics in Congo were controlled without vaccines.