WHO: Nearly 500 confirmed cases of Ebola in Central Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed nearly 500 cases of Ebola virus infection in Central Africa, with 452 cases and 82 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and 19 cases, including two deaths, in Uganda.

This represents an alarming increase of 100 cases and 20 deaths compared to the previous day. The epidemic was declared on May 15 in the DRC and is considered a public health emergency of international concern, with the potential to rival the epidemic of 2014-2016.

Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. WHO and the African CDC have launched a $518 million plan to combat the epidemic, focusing on monitoring, testing, and preventing infections.

WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for rapid and coordinated action to control the epidemic.