The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a rare Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, as the death toll reaches 139 and is expected to rise. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made this unprecedented declaration over the weekend, prior to an emergency committee meeting.
Ebola Outbreak Details
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, with approximately 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths. Experts are concerned as the virus circulated undetected for weeks in a densely populated, conflict-affected area. A doctor from Uganda, who had contact with an infected patient, is being transferred to a hospital in Prague as a precaution, though showing no symptoms.
WHO Warning
WHO boss warns cases will rise as deaths reach 139. The declaration of a public health emergency of international concern is rare and underscores the severity of the situation. The WHO is working with local authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
