Global health organization mulls Ebola crisis

WHO to discuss raising the threat level in Congo; dozens dead over five-month stretch

This is the second outbreak in Congo for 2018 [Courtesy: CDC]

The World Health Organization [WHO] is calling an emergency conference to discuss whether to declare the recent outbreak of Ebola in Congo an international emergency. In the last week alone cases of the virus spiked, with 33 confirmed cases resulting in 24 deaths.

Since July suspected cases have steadily risen, with over 200 sick and 130 dead. The crisis, which was designated an outbreak on August 1, shows no signs of abetting at this time, due to lackluster education and poor hygiene amoungst the Congolese people.

Health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing more challenges in the fight against Ebola. pic.twitter.com/al3zt0EI8b

— Newsy (@Newsy) October 16, 2018

Along with the normal challenges of fighting the deadly infection, health professionals are also dealing with widespread violence in the African nation. The civil war, largely being waged by Islamic rebels, is making it nearly impossible for the WHO to implement a plan of containment.

Ebola is considered by scientists to be one of the most terrifying viral threats we face. Spread through contact with the blood and/or bodily fluids of an infected person (which includes sexual contact), symptoms of infection include fever, diarrhea, vomiting and obscure hemorrhaging; there is no cure, treatment or vaccine at this time.



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