WHO raises the Ebola alert to the highest level following the rapid spread of the epidemic in Central Africa

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, following the rapid spread of the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

So far, 82 cases and 7 deaths have been confirmed, and nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths are under investigation. In Uganda, two cases have been confirmed in individuals coming from Congo, one of which was fatal. WHO has stated that the regional risk is 'high', while the global risk is 'low'.

Although the Bundibugyo strain is less lethal than the Zaire strain, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for it. Controlling the outbreak depends on rapid measures for identifying and isolating cases. The risk of spread in Europe and the United States remains low, according to assessments by ECDC and CDC.