A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in Congo has tested positive for the Ebola virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC is working with the person’s employer, U.S. agencies, public health authorities, and Congolese partners to prevent further transmission and identify close contacts.
Ebola Outbreak in Congo
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded on the continent, with 1,830 confirmed cases in Congo, including 648 deaths. Cases have also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda.
The Congolese authorities declared a fresh Ebola outbreak on May 15, after the disease had been transmitting for weeks without official detection. Efforts to contain the virus have been hampered by a funding gap, attacks on health centers, and an ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Clinical trials for treatment began last week, after researchers launched a highly anticipated study in the hope of fighting the virus. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
