Ebola Outbreak Escalates in Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has escalated, with the death toll reaching 204 from 867 suspected cases. The World Health Organization has declared it an international emergency, raising the risk level in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to 'very high' and in central Africa to 'high'. Uganda has confirmed three new cases, bringing its total to five, and has suspended public transport to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that 10 other African countries, including Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia, are at risk due to high mobility and insecurity. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that three Congolese volunteers died in Ituri after contracting Ebola. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccines or treatments exist. Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba emphasized the need for 'total control' of the Democratic Republic of the Congo territory to halt the spread.