The World Health Organization declares the epidemic a global health emergency.
It’s a global health crisis – not a pandemic.
But the World Health Organization is warning that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda could be much larger than what has been detected so far.
The global health body is advising countries to activate national disaster mechanisms and introduce cross-border and internal screening.
Presenter: James Bays
Guests:
Ariel Kestens – Head of the Kinshasa delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Dr Margaret Harris – Lecturer at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma – Former deputy director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks, but insecurity in the eastern part of the country is making this most recent outbreak difficult to control.
Neighbouring countries have already reported some cases, and the World Health Organization has said the outbreak’s real impact is yet to be seen.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks, but insecurity in the eastern part of the country is making this most recent outbreak difficult to control.
Neighbouring countries have already reported some cases, and the World Health Organization has said the outbreak’s real impact is yet to be seen.
Al Jazeera’s Hamza Mohamed explains.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern. This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which is less understood than the Zaire strain and lacks effective treatments or vaccines. The WHO notes that while this outbreak does not qualify as a pandemic emergency, countries bordering the DRC are at high risk for spread.
Ebola is a severe virus that causes symptoms like fever, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, spreading through contact with infected individuals or materials. The DRC has experienced 17 outbreaks of Ebola since it was first discovered in 1976.
Currently, the outbreak in the DRC is the most severe, with the WHO reporting eight confirmed cases, 80 suspected deaths, and 246 suspected infections. Goma, a town in the DRC, has reported a confirmed case, and Uganda has also identified a second case. The true number of infections and the outbreak’s geographic spread are still uncertain, according to the WHO.
BBC RADIO 2 legend Bob Harris has shared a new health update with fans, after revealing that his cancer has spread.
The radio star, who previously revealed he was forced to take a break from broadcasting as a result of his health issues, posted a new image of himself with a big grin and a thumbs up.
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Bob Harris shared a new health update with fans, after revealing that his cancer has spreadCredit: Instagram/whisperingbobBBC Radio 2 legend Bob has experience recent setbacks in his cancer battleCredit: Instagram/whisperingbob
Bob, 80, could be seen sitting at home in a gown and appeared in good spirits, while writing to fans: “Hiya Folks! I hope you’re all ok. Sending you all my love.”
The star, who is resting up at home and out of hospital, was flooded with sweet messages from fans.
One person wrote: “Sending all the love your way,” while another added: “Fab photo Looking great. Keep up the good work.”
Last month, he shared how his cancer has spread from his prostate to his upper spineCredit: Instagram/whisperingbobBob shared a photo of himself walking with a stickCredit: Instagram
Last month, he shared how his cancer has spread from his prostate to his upper spine.
Taking to Instagram to update his fans at the time, Bob shared a photo of himself walking with a stick.
“I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time,” he penned in the caption.
Bob went on: “When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back.
“Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news.
“So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy – two weeks in hospital in total – to bring things back under control. Thankfully I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day.”
He added: “I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son @expiredfilmclub who took the photograph.
“Just want to send so much love to Zoe and to everyone who have been in touch.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
needing to pee more frequently, often during the night