WHO: Nearly 500 Cases of Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in Central Africa

The deadly Ebola outbreak in central Africa has now surpassed 471 confirmed cases, resulting in 84 deaths, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) overview. The epidemic, declared three weeks ago in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has seen 452 confirmed cases and 82 fatalities there. Neighboring Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases with two deaths.

The WHO has classified the situation as an international public health emergency, with officials warning that the outbreak could potentially rival the scale of the devastating 2014 West Africa epidemic if strong public health interventions are not implemented. Models suggest the current outbreak risks becoming the largest on record without such measures.

Ebola, a virus transmitted through close contact and bodily fluids, has caused over 15,000 deaths in Africa over the past five decades. The current outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, was officially declared on May 15 in northeastern DR Congo, though the virus is believed to have been spreading undetected prior to the declaration.

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The outbreak is moving fast, and we are still playing catch-up.

In response, the WHO and the African CDC have launched a $518 million plan to combat the outbreak over the next six months. The strategy focuses on enhancing surveillance, laboratory testing, and infection prevention. "The outbreak is moving fast, and we are still playing catch-up," stated WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizing the need for swift and collaborative action to contain the spread and support affected countries.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers. This measure aims to ensure vigilance among these sectors following reports of the Ebola outbreak in East Africa, as stated by LAWMA's Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

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That scale is possible.