‎Six Americans Exposed to Ebola in DR Congo

Reports say at least six Americans have been exposed to the Ebola virus during a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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‎The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak as an international emergency, with the DR Congo’s health ministry reporting around 350 suspected cases and 91 deaths.
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‎One American is believed to have symptoms, with three others said to have faced a high-risk contact or exposure. It is unclear whether any have been infected.
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‎The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was supporting the “safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans who are directly affected”, but did not confirm how many.
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‎The current strain of Ebola is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved drugs or vaccines.
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‎There are also two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda, according to the CDC.
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‎The US government is reportedly looking to arrange transport for the small group of Americans in DR Congo to a safe quarantine location, a source told health news site STAT.
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‎The US has also issued a Level Four travel advisory – its most severe level – warning against travel to the DR Congo.
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‎The WHO has said the outbreak in DR Congo’s eastern Ituri province is a public health emergency of international concern, but did not meet the criteria of a pandemic.
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‎The agency has also warned it could potentially be “a much larger outbreak” than what is currently being detected and reported, with significant risk of local and regional spread.
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‎Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that in the absence of vaccines and effective medicines people should follow public health measures, including the guidance about handling the funerals of those who have died from the disease.
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‎The WHO has advised DR Congo and Uganda, two countries with confirmed cases, to undertake cross-border screenings to avoid the virus from spreading.
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‎It has also urged nearby countries to “enhance their preparedness and readiness”, including surveillance at health facilities and communities.
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Neighbouring Rwanda said it would be tightening screening along its border with DR Congo as a “precautionary measure”, while Nigeria said it was “closely monitoring the situation”.

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