The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new information regarding the Ebola epidemic spreading in Africa.
Medianews.az reports that the organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the risk of virus spread is assessed as high at national and regional levels, but low at the global level.
According to him, currently 51 infection cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it is assumed that the actual number is higher. In Uganda, the virus has been detected in two people coming from Congo, one of whom has died. It is also reported that one US citizen has been infected and evacuated to Germany.
The WHO official added that approximately 600 suspected infections and 139 suspected deaths have been recorded. The disease has now spread to urban areas, and deaths among healthcare workers have been noted. It was also emphasized that due to the increase in armed clashes in the region, over 100,000 people have left their homes.
Ghebreyesus stated that there is no approved vaccine or treatment against the epidemic, and the virus is related to the Bundibugyo type of Ebola.
The WHO also praised the Ugandan government's postponement of mass events for security reasons and announced that it has allocated an additional 3.9 million dollars to strengthen the fight.