Renewed Ebola Outbreak in Africa: Over 700 Suspected Cases in Congo and Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a health emergency following a resurgence of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. As of May 21, the outbreak has led to over 700 suspected cases and 176 suspected deaths, with the WHO noting a rapid increase in infections since mid-May.

A rare variant, the Bundibugyo virus, is circulating in Congo-Kinshasa. While this strain has a comparatively lower case-fatality rate of around 30 percent, it remains a serious threat. This contrasts with the Zaire ebolavirus, responsible for the 2014/15 West Africa epidemic, which had a fatality rate of about two-thirds of infected individuals.

Officially, more than 80 infections have been confirmed, including two in Uganda and ten deaths in Congo. One American citizen working in the Democratic Republic of Congo has also tested positive and has been transferred to Germany for treatment. The WHO's declaration aims to increase alert levels and improve containment efforts for the disease.

Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The case-fatality rate can range from 20 to 90 percent depending on the outbreak and virus subtype. Other known subtypes include Sudan and Tai Forest viruses, as well as the Reston and Bombali viruses.