US Evacuates at Least 6 Americans Exposed to Ebola in Congo as Death Toll Reaches 91
Updated
Updated · Arise News · May 18
US Evacuates at Least 6 Americans Exposed to Ebola in Congo as Death Toll Reaches 91
20 articles · Updated · Arise News · May 18
At least six Americans exposed during DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak are being transported out of the country for quarantine, with one reportedly showing symptoms and three facing high-risk exposure.
CDC said it is supporting the safe withdrawal of a small number of directly affected Americans, though officials have not confirmed infections or reports that they could be taken to a US military base in Germany.
About 350 suspected cases and 91 deaths have been recorded in DR Congo, and WHO has warned the outbreak in Ituri province could be significantly larger and spread further locally and regionally.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment; neighbouring Uganda has confirmed two cases and one death.
US officials say the risk to the United States remains low, but Washington has issued a Level 4 advisory against travel to DR Congo as African health authorities urge safer funeral practices.
Is this deadly Ebola outbreak a health emergency, or a symptom of a much larger geopolitical failure?
With no vaccine for this rare Ebola strain, can a spiraling outbreak in a conflict zone be contained?