The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 977 suspected cases and 228 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 14.3%. Uganda has confirmed seven cases, also with a similar case fatality rate.

Added to this are the conditions in the DRC that make contact tracing and containment difficult, as stated by the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Ebola treatment centers in Ituri and North Kivu have been attacked, limiting access to medical care. Insecurity prevents the proper functioning of health centers and the circulation of humanitarian aid.

In addition, the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which causes the current outbreak, lacks treatments and vaccines.

New security measures

The United States implements a new quarantine plan for those traveling to Ebola-affected areas, with observation in Kenya.

During a Cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told President Trump: “We cannot and will not allow any case of Ebola to enter the United States.”

Airports such as Bush Intercontinental implement health checks, joining other airports in monitoring passengers.

Security protocols

Several countries have strengthened their safety protocols in the face of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (with more than 200 deaths).

In the US

In Canada

In Africa

Recommended preventive measures

The actual risk of global spread of Ebola is low, but the risk of regional spread in Africa (especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda) is high, according to the most recent assessment by WHO experts.

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