By Franklin Delgado
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 977 suspected cases and 228 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 14.3%. Uganda has confirmed seven cases, also with a comparable case fatality rate.
Added to this are the conditions in the DRC that make contact tracing and containment difficult, as stated by the general director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Ebola treatment centers in Ituri and North Kivu have been attacked, limiting access to medical care. Insecurity prevents the proper functioning of health centers and the circulation of humanitarian aid.
In addition to that the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which causes the trusty outbreak, lacks treatments and vaccines.
New security measures
The United States implements a new quarantine plan for those traveling to Ebola-affected areas, with observation in Kenya.
During a Cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told President Trump: “We cannot and will not allow any case of Ebola to enter the United States.”
Airports such as Bush Intercontinental implement health checks, joining other airports in monitoring passengers.
Security protocols
Several countries have reinforced their security protocols in the face of the serious Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (with more than 200 deaths).
In the US
- It banned the entry of foreigners who have traveled to Uganda, Congo or South Sudan in the last 21 days.
- Strengthened health controls at borders.
- Screens passengers at 5 international airports (JFK New York, Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago-O’Hear, Atlanta) for fever and Ebola exposure.
- Active surveillance for 21 days for travelers without symptoms.
In Canada
- Strengthened health controls at borders.
- Additional question to travelers about trips to DRC or Uganda in the last 21 days.
- Questions about symptoms compatible with the disease.
In Africa
- Reinforcement of borders and prevention measures to avoid spread.
Recommended preventive measures
- Avoid contact with people with symptoms.
- Reinforce hand washing.
- Visit a health center immediately if you develop fever or frequent discomfort.
- Fill out health questionnaires when traveling.
The risk trusty global spread of ebola is lowbut the risk of spread regional level in Africa (especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda) is highaccording to the most recent assessment by WHO experts.
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