The Ebola disease, described by the World Health Organization as a severe and often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates, has claimed 130 lives as of May 19, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. On Tuesday, the WHO chief expressed concern over the speed and scale of the outbreak as the number of infections continues to rise.
As reported by Reuters, there are currently at least 500 suspected Ebola cases linked to the outbreak. Declaring it a public health emergency in a social media post on Sunday, Tedros stated that the outbreak does not yet meet the criteria for a global pandemic emergency. However, he warned that neighboring countries remain at high risk of further spread.
What Is Causing the Outbreak and How Does the Virus Spread?
According to health authorities, the current outbreak has been caused by Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare strain of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. The WHO explains that the virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected wild animals such as fruit bats, porcupines, and non-human primates. Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or organs of infected individuals, as well as through contaminated materials like bedding and clothing.
WHO Issues Advisory for Affected Countries
The WHO has advised affected countries to activate national emergency response systems and establish emergency operation centers to tackle the outbreak effectively. The agency also urged governments to ensure sustained community engagement through local leaders, religious figures, and traditional healers. According to the WHO, awareness campaigns and community participation should be strengthened to help identify and address cultural practices that may contribute to the spread of the virus.
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