WHO chief arrives in DRC promising Ebola outbreak can be stopped'

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be stopped, with the World Health Organization emphasizing coordinated efforts. The WHO does not support travel bans because they do not help much. The WHO recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola deaths since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, with more than 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases reported by 24 May. The virus may have spread more widely than detected, having circulated under the radar. The outbreak is centered in a mineral-rich area affected by armed conflict and displacement, which complicates medical response. A ceasefire is urged to protect civilians. No vaccine or treatment exists yet for the Bundibugyo strain, though clinical trials are recommended and a vaccine is expected by year’s end. Neighboring Uganda shut its border, and the US planned entry denials.

"That thing can be stopped, Tedros said, adding that the WHO did not support travel bans to combat the outbreak because they don't help much. Together, we will overcome this outbreak, he said earlier, vowing to do everything in my power to help you. The WHO has recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola deaths in the DRC since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, out of more than 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases, according to its figures up to 24 May, the latest available."

"The true spread of the virus is likely much wider as it is thought to have circulated under the radar for some time, the WHO has warned. This is the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the big central African country, which has a population of more than 100 million people. Complicating medical relief efforts, the epidemic is centred in a mineral-rich region fought over by armed groups. Conflict and displacement make everything harder, Tedros said."

"I am making a direct appeal to all warring parties in this region: please, declare a ceasefire. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease. No vaccine or treatment yet exists for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola causing the current outbreak. The WHO said on Thursday that its advisory groups had recommended clinical trials for vaccines and treatments."

"The head of the African Union's health agency, Jean Kaseya, said on Thursday that a vaccine should be ready by the end of the year. Neighbouring Uganda, with one recorded death from Ebola and six additional cases, announced it was shutting its border with the DRC with immediate effect. The US said it would deny entry to an"

Read at www.theguardian.com