An Ebola outbreak in Africa is being closely monitored after 65 deaths, officials have said. The virus is spreading in Ituri province,Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that there have been around 246 suspected cases. Experts are worried that it could circulate further. The severe and often fatalillnessspreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials or persons who have died from the disease.
TheNHSsays one of its symptoms is bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose or mouth. Africa CDC experts said they are working with national authorities and partners to support a "rapid, coordinated response". Preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) have detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested, the African CDC said today.
The results suggest a non-Zaire ebolavirus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterise the strain, it added. Results from this are expected within the next 24 hours. The suspected cases and deaths have occurred mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara.
READ MORE:New UKHSA sickness bug alert as it can spread ‘more easily’
READ MORE:Red flags of 'silent' cancer affecting thousands of UK women
Four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases.
In addition, suspected cases have been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation.
“Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
“Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential.
"We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response, and to help contain the outbreak as quickly as possible.”
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
