The Ebola epidemic that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a third African region, marking the widest footprint of any Ebola outbreak to date. Health officials identified a new case in Abuja, Nigeria, over 2,000 miles west of the epicenter, and a ninth case was confirmed in Kenya this week. Dr. Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC warned that without immediate action, the entire continent could be affected. Since May, Congo has recorded over 9,700 confirmed cases and 4,600 deaths, making this the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic ever.
Within Congo, the disease has spread to eight provinces, with about 70 percent of new cases occurring in the community, suggesting widespread undetected transmission. Clinical trials of vaccines against Bundibugyo are underway, but shots are not expected for many months and exclude children under 5, who account for nearly one in four cases and one in three deaths. The patient in Nigeria is a Ugandan national married to a Swiss diplomat.
Health officials are investigating whether she contracted the virus in Congo or Uganda, as travel through Uganda does not confirm infection there. WHO declared Uganda's outbreak over in August, though Dr. Kaseya emphasizes the need to trace the full travel history. The patient developed symptoms days after returning to Abuja and had contact with at least 44 people, including many healthcare workers, who are now being monitored. Dr. Nahid Bhadelia of Boston University warns that uncontrolled growth increases the risk of undetected spread in bordering countries like South Sudan, rather than global spread.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing