Just as the world was recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, another new crisis has arisen before the entire world. Another deadly virus has disturbed the peace of the world. The name of this deadly virus is ‘Ebola’. On Friday (May 22), the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning saying that the spread of Ebola in Congo is now increasing rapidly, and the threat to the country has now reached a very serious level. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that given the current situation, the organization has raised the risk assessment for Congo from ‘high’ to ‘very high’.
Speaking to reporters, Tedros said 82 cases of Ebola have been officially confirmed so far in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while seven deaths have also been recorded. However, he clearly warned that the real situation could be much worse than current reports. According to WHO, there are currently about 750 suspected cases, and 177 suspected deaths have also been reported. This shows that the spread of infection is continuously increasing, and many areas have already been affected.
Two cases of Ebola were reported in the neighboring country
Two cases of Ebola have also been reported in neighboring Uganda. Both the infected persons had come there from Congo. One of these people has died. However, WHO says the situation in Uganda is currently under control and stable. Meanwhile, the United Nations has also taken emergency steps. The United Nations has released $60 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to accelerate relief efforts and medical treatment in Congo and surrounding countries.
America announced $23 million aid
The US has also announced $23 million in aid to help in the fight against Ebola. Additionally, plans are being made to set up up to 50 Ebola treatment centers in affected areas. However, Ugandan officials said they have not yet received any information from the US about the establishment of such a centre. Health agencies believe that if the infection is not brought under control soon, it could become a major crisis for the entire region. Currently, medical teams are working to intensify surveillance, testing and treatment efforts in the affected areas.
