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Global Ebola risk 'remains low', WHO chief says
🇸🇬 Singapore /Health & Science

Global Ebola risk 'remains low', WHO chief says

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The World Health Organization states the global risk from an Ebola outbreak remains low, despite a case confirmed in France.
  • A French doctor, who had worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo, tested positive for Ebola after returning home.
  • The WHO urges against over-reaction, emphasizing that the case is a reminder of risks faced by frontline health workers.

The World Health Organization has assessed the global risk from a deadly Ebola outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo as "low," even after a case was confirmed in France. The confirmation involved a French doctor who had been working with the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) in the DR Congo and subsequently flew back home.

remains low

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusDescribing the global risk from the Ebola outbreak.

France announced the doctor's case, the first of the hemorrhagic fever identified outside the African continent during the current outbreak, which has also affected Uganda. The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, cautioned against "over-reaction" and stated there is "no need for panic."

While emphasizing the low risk to the rest of the world, Tedros highlighted the case as a "reminder of the risks faced by frontline responders." He noted that nearly 80 health workers have been infected, underscoring the importance of strengthening infection prevention and control measures.

no need for panic

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusUrging against over-reaction to the confirmed case in France.

The patient reportedly traveled on a commercial flight from Kinshasa, experiencing only mild symptoms like headaches during the journey. Upon arrival in Paris, the individual was immediately isolated and received care even before the disease was officially diagnosed. The patient's condition is described as stable with a very low viral load. Efforts are underway to trace potential contacts.

a reminder of the risks faced by frontline responders

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusHighlighting the significance of the case for health workers.

The WHO is advising countries to support the safe deployment of personnel responding to the outbreak, ensuring they have clear information on risks and management strategies. The DR Congo's 17th Ebola outbreak, declared on May 15, has recorded over 1,000 cases, including 267 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of approximately 25 percent. The WHO considers the public health risk level "very high" for the DR Congo, "high" for neighboring Uganda, and "low" for the rest of the world.

Almost 80 health workers have been infected, highlighting the risks they face and the importance of strengthening infection prevention and control

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusDetailing the dangers faced by medical personnel during the outbreak.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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