Ebola Outbreak Spreads in Congo

An Ebola outbreak, the 17th in the Democratic Republic of the Congo>>> and the third-largest globally, is rapidly spreading, outpacing the international response. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus>>>, Director-General of the World Health Organization>>>, visited Democratic Republic of the Congo — Ituri Province>>>, the hardest-hit region, urging residents to seek early treatment and practice safe burials due to the highly contagious nature of Ebola victims' bodies. The rare Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or treatments, making palliative care critical. Médecins Sans Frontières>>> has warned that the response is inadequate, citing a lack of basic supplies and insufficient medical organizations on the ground. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus>>> has called for more international support, as the World Health Organization>>> has received only about a third of the necessary funding. Roger Kamba>>>, the Health Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo>>>, maintains that the outbreak is not 'out of control' and that the country has the experience and resources to contain it. Neighboring Uganda>>> has confirmed cases and closed its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo>>>. Brazil>>> is also investigating a suspected Ebola case.