International Concern for Ebola Outbreak in Congo

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”, as since August 2018 more than 2,500 people have been infected and 1,600 have died.
Ebola is a virus that initially causes sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain and a sore throat. It progresses to vomiting, diarrhea and both internal and external bleeding.
People can be infected through direct contact with broken skin, or the mouth and nose, with the blood, vomit, feces or bodily fluids of someone with Ebola. Patients tend to die from dehydration and multiple organ failure.
WH defines a public health emergency of international concern as “an extraordinary event” that constitutes a “public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” and “to potentially require a coordinated international response.”
“Now is the time for the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of DRC.” The move may encourage wealthy donor countries to provide more cash.

“The risk of Ebola spread in DRC and the region remains very high, and the risk of spread outside the region remains low, so borders should be closed.” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, said on Wednesday.

The vaccine for this virus is 99% effective and more than 161,000 people have been given it. However, everybody is not vaccinated. About 12 new cases are being reported every day.
“This emergency in Congo has been going on for almost a year and is a very, very serious emergency” Dr. Margaret Harris, WHO’s communication lead on the Ebola emergency in DRC, said.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies welcomed the move. “While it does not change the reality on the ground for victims or partners engaged in the response, we hope it will bring the international attention that this crisis deserves,” it said in a statement.
>Juthy Saha