WHO rallies to equip new Ebola efforts in Congo:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the Ebola virus is the cause of an outbreak of haemorrhagic fever (EHF) in the Republic of Congo. Two weeks since the first suspected case, more than 80 have been reported, including at least 64 deaths (at February 18), centred around the northwestern district of Kelle. The government is working with the WHO to co-ordinate measures aimed at monitoring and tackling the outbreak, in which testing plays an important part. EHF, one of the most virulent viral diseases, causing death in 50-90% of symptomatic cases, is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected persons. This is the second outbreak to strike the region in 15 months.