Ebola in DRC - WHO discuss impact of recent spread to Mbandaka
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced tests have confirmed Ebola infection in a patient from Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mbandaka is an urban area that's home to nearly 1.2 million people.
The WHO Ebola Emergency Committee will meet on 18th May (today) to decide if the developments warrant a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which triggers heighten international contributions to prevent spread of the disease.
The latest figures from the WHO show 3 new cases, bringing the total affected to 44 (3 confirmed cases, 21 suspected, 20 probable cases). Doctors Without Borders (MSF), report 23 deaths, an increase of 3 since the WHO's last update.
The latest facts from the WHO about the Ebola vaccine: This experimental vaccine has shown to be highly protective against the Ebola virus. It is called rVSV-ZEBOV and has been studied in several trials in more than 16,000 volunteers across Europe, Africa and the US. More than 4000 vaccines have been sent for use in the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC. http://www.who.int/ebola/drc-2018/faq-vaccine/en/
For further outbreak information:
WHO concerned as one Ebola case confirmed in urban area of Democratic Republic of the Congo - WHO news release 17/5/18