The World Health Organization has raised serious concerns over the worsening Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that the situation could deteriorate further in the coming weeks. Around 220 suspected deaths have reportedly been linked to the epidemic, sparking fears of a wider health emergency. Health officials are racing to contain the outbreak through testing, isolation, and vaccination efforts, but challenges including limited healthcare access and regional instability continue to complicate the response.


Ebola Outbreak: WHO Urges Neighbouring Nations To Act Immediately 

The World Health Organization has raised serious concerns over the worsening Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that the situation could deteriorate further in the coming weeks. Around 220 suspected deaths have reportedly been linked to the epidemic, sparking fears of a wider health emergency. Health officials are racing to contain the outbreak through testing, isolation, and vaccination efforts, but challenges including limited healthcare access and regional instability continue to complicate the response.

Ebola Outbreak: Around 220 Suspected Deaths Linked To Ebola Epidemic In DR Congo 

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying as health authorities battle rising infections and growing public panic. Medical teams are working to contain the spread through surveillance, testing, treatment, and vaccination efforts, while misinformation and fear continue to challenge response measures. 


WHO Raises Congo Ebola Risk to Very High, Officials Ramp Up Measures

The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency following growing concerns over the spread of Ebola after an American doctor reportedly contracted the virus. Health authorities are intensifying monitoring and containment efforts as fears rise over cross-border transmission and preparedness. The development has placed global public health systems on high alert amid renewed concerns about infectious disease outbreaks.


Ebola Outbreak: Bahrain Imposes 30-Day Ban On DRC, South Sudan & Uganda Visitors

Democratic Republic of the Congo is racing to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak after health authorities reported hundreds of suspected cases and a rising death toll in the eastern province of Ituri. Officials say the outbreak has already crossed borders, with neighbouring Uganda confirming infections linked to the crisis. Health teams are intensifying surveillance, treatment and vaccination efforts as fears grow over wider regional transmission.


Ebola Outbreak: DR Congo Races To Contain Ebola Spread As Death Toll Hits 136

WHO Declares Global Ebola Emergency After American Doctor Infected In Congo

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency.
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

Ebola Outbreak In DR Congo & Uganda: 88 Dead, Over 300 Suspected Cases

Ebola Outbreak Triggers Global Alarm In Democratic Republic Of Congo 

The democratic republic of Congo has declared a new Ebola outbreak in kasai province, marking its first resurgence of the virus since 2022.


New Ebola Outbreak In DR Congo Kills 15

Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the capital, Kampala, with the first confirmed patient dying on Wednesday. Watch this report for more details!

Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak in capital Kampala

Scientists at China's Hebei Medical University have engineered a virus using parts of the Ebola, apparently to analyse the disease and its symptoms, but raising fears as this pathogen could potentially kill in three days. The genetically modified virus turned out to be a variant that reportedly killed lab hamsters within just three days of exposure.&nbsp;

The world can see it as a new threat coming from China amid already existing conspiracy theories that coronavirus (COVID-19), which killed millions, was leaked from a lab in Wuhan.&nbsp;

The recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995820X24000361#sec2">study</a>&nbsp;, published in Science Direct, revealed that researchers used a glycoprotein found in the Ebola virus, which leads the virus to infect cells and spread throughout the human body, to create the pathogen in the lab.&nbsp;

They created a strain that caused severe systemic illnesses similar to those seen in human Ebola patients, including multi-organ failure.&nbsp;

As per the study, some hamsters developed scabs over the surface of their eyeballs, which eventually affected their vision.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-life-expectancy-is-lowest-in-over-a-decade-due-to-covid-who-725276">World's life expectancy is lowest in over a decade due to Covid: WHO</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "It is a sign that 3-week-old Syrian hamsters infected with the virus have the possibility of playing a role in the study of optic nerve disorders caused by EVD."&nbsp;

The study mentioned that animal experiments were performed after it was approved by the animal experimental committee of the Laboratory Animal Center, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science.&nbsp;

Ever since Covid was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020, several claims and counterclaims have been made over its origin. Many assumed that it spread in a live animal market before spreading throughout the world. But some also claimed it was leaked from a lab.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raw-milk-contaminated-with-bird-flu-virus-damaging-multiple-organs-of-mice-study-725263">Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study</a>&nbsp;

However, in this study, the Chinese researchers highlighted that their aim was to replicate Ebola symptoms in a controlled laboratory environment. They wanted to understand and facilitate prevention strategies.&nbsp;

Notably, the scientists and researchers used a different virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), to transport Ebola glycoprotein as the deadly Ebola requires exceptionally secure Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) facilities. The mentioned protein is critical for the virus's ability to enter and infect host cells.&nbsp;

As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "Overall, this surrogate model represents a safe, effective, and economical tool for rapid preclinical evaluation of medical countermeasures against EBOV (Ebola virus) under BSL-2 conditions, which would accelerate technological advances and breakthroughs in confronting Ebola virus disease."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists at China's Hebei Medical University have engineered a virus using parts of the Ebola, apparently to analyse the disease and its symptoms, but raising fears as this pathogen could potentially kill in three days.

Scientists at China's Hebei Medical University have engineered a virus using parts of the Ebola, apparently to analyse the disease and its symptoms, but raising fears as this pathogen could potentially kill in three days. The genetically modified virus turned out to be a variant that reportedly killed lab hamsters within just three days of exposure. The world can see it as a new threat coming from China amid already existing conspiracy theories that coronavirus (COVID-19), which killed millions, was leaked from a lab in Wuhan. The recent study , published in Science Direct, revealed that researchers used a glycoprotein found in the Ebola virus, which leads the virus to infect cells and spread throughout the human body, to create the pathogen in the lab. They created a strain that caused severe systemic illnesses similar to those seen in human Ebola patients, including multi-organ failure. As per the study, some hamsters developed scabs over the surface of their eyeballs, which eventually affected their vision. Also read: World's life expectancy is lowest in over a decade due to Covid: WHO As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "It is a sign that 3-week-old Syrian hamsters infected with the virus have the possibility of playing a role in the study of optic nerve disorders caused by EVD." The study mentioned that animal experiments were performed after it was approved by the animal experimental committee of the Laboratory Animal Center, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science. Ever since Covid was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020, several claims and counterclaims have been made over its origin. Many assumed that it spread in a live animal market before spreading throughout the world. But some also claimed it was leaked from a lab. Also read: Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study However, in this study, the Chinese researchers highlighted that their aim was to replicate Ebola symptoms in a controlled laboratory environment. They wanted to understand and facilitate prevention strategies. Notably, the scientists and researchers used a different virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), to transport Ebola glycoprotein as the deadly Ebola requires exceptionally secure Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) facilities. The mentioned protein is critical for the virus's ability to enter and infect host cells. As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "Overall, this surrogate model represents a safe, effective, and economical tool for rapid preclinical evaluation of medical countermeasures against EBOV (Ebola virus) under BSL-2 conditions, which would accelerate technological advances and breakthroughs in confronting Ebola virus disease." (With inputs from agencies)

Another Covid-like threat? Scientists in China create virus in lab that can kill in THREE days

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave. It's got some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg. Experts are now worried that the Marburg virus might cause the next big outbreak, and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about it.

Marburg is an illness marked by bleeding and disruption of bodily functions.&nbsp;It can be deadly, with up to 88 per cent of people dying from it.

The virus spreads through contact with infected people's fluids, and even touching stuff like towels that they've used can pass it on. Plus, fruit bats, common in Africa, can carry the virus too, making it easier for it to spread.

The virus typically remains dormant for at least three weeks before symptoms appear in patients. However, the early signs often mimic those of malaria and Ebola.

Many infected people exhibit sunken eyes and blank facial expressions. In advanced stages, it can lead to bleeding from various body parts such as the vagina, eyes, nose, and gums. There are no vaccines against the virus, so doctors focus on treating symptoms with medications and fluids.

In 1980, during an exploration of Kitum Cave, a French engineer working at a nearby sugar mill accidentally came into contact with the Marburg virus, which causes severe tissue damage.&nbsp;He passed away shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Nairobi.

His rapid deterioration from the viral hemorrhagic fever was described in a book as resembling "the face detaching itself from the skull," with his facial features appearing to hang from the bone as the connective tissue dissolved. Years later, a Danish boy on vacation with his family also fell victim to a similar hemorrhagic virus known as Ravn and died.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-bodies-shaped-by-ancient-viruses-millions-of-years-ago-study-691185">Also read | Human bodies shaped by ancient viruses millions of years ago: Study</a>

<h2>A breeding ground for zoonotic infections</h2>

The discovery of important salty minerals within the cave has not only attracted elephants but also other animals like buffaloes, antelope, leopards, and hyenas from western Kenya.

This has turned Kitum into a hotspot for diseases that can pass from animals to humans, known as zoonotic infections, according to researchers.

Also watch |&nbsp;Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn

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The cave, which is 600 feet deep, has been continually excavated and enlarged by elephants,&nbsp;inadvertently providing a habitat for disease-carrying bats, as reported by Science Times.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave. It's got some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg.

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave. It's got some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg. Experts are now worried that the Marburg virus might cause the next big outbreak, and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about it. Marburg is an illness marked by bleeding and disruption of bodily functions. It can be deadly, with up to 88 per cent of people dying from it. The virus spreads through contact with infected people's fluids, and even touching stuff like towels that they've used can pass it on. Plus, fruit bats, common in Africa, can carry the virus too, making it easier for it to spread. The virus typically remains dormant for at least three weeks before symptoms appear in patients. However, the early signs often mimic those of malaria and Ebola. Many infected people exhibit sunken eyes and blank facial expressions. In advanced stages, it can lead to bleeding from various body parts such as the vagina, eyes, nose, and gums. There are no vaccines against the virus, so doctors focus on treating symptoms with medications and fluids. In 1980, during an exploration of Kitum Cave, a French engineer working at a nearby sugar mill accidentally came into contact with the Marburg virus, which causes severe tissue damage. He passed away shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Nairobi. His rapid deterioration from the viral hemorrhagic fever was described in a book as resembling "the face detaching itself from the skull," with his facial features appearing to hang from the bone as the connective tissue dissolved. Years later, a Danish boy on vacation with his family also fell victim to a similar hemorrhagic virus known as Ravn and died. Also read | Human bodies shaped by ancient viruses millions of years ago: Study A breeding ground for zoonotic infections The discovery of important salty minerals within the cave has not only attracted elephants but also other animals like buffaloes, antelope, leopards, and hyenas from western Kenya. This has turned Kitum into a hotspot for diseases that can pass from animals to humans, known as zoonotic infections, according to researchers. Also watch | Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn The cave, which is 600 feet deep, has been continually excavated and enlarged by elephants, inadvertently providing a habitat for disease-carrying bats, as reported by Science Times. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya’s ‘killer’ cave, believed to be source of Ebola, could bring about the next pandemic

Scientists in Canada and the United States have found a new way in which Ebola reproduces in the body. Ebola is a deadly virus affecting people mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;

It is a viral haemorrhagic fever that was first identified in central Africa in 1976. The disease was named after a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo, then known as Zaire.&nbsp;

Five of the virus species are known to cause disease in humans - Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, Reston and Tai Forest. The first three have resulted in serious outbreaks in Africa.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-harness-food-by-products-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance-701123">Scientists harness food by-products to fight antimicrobial resistance</a>&nbsp;

The latest work by the scientists reveals a new target for antiviral drug development. The work might also lead to more effective therapies for this deadly disease.&nbsp;

The findings of the study, titled "Ebola virus VP35 interacts non-covalently with ubiquitin chains to promote viral replication", were reported in the journal PLOS Biology.&nbsp;

The collaboration includes pharmacologists from the Université de Montréal (UdeM), infectious disease specialists from Rutgers University, and a group of microbiologists, immunologists, and pathologists from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/passive-smoking-exposure-nearly-doubles-stroke-risk-new-study-says-700823">Passive smoking exposure nearly doubles stroke risk, new study says</a>&nbsp;

The study focused on the interaction between ubiquitin, a protein found in human cells, and the Ebola virus VP35 protein. Notably, this contact is critical for the virus's capacity to proliferate and elude the immune system.&nbsp;

As quoted by reports, co-author Rafael Najmanovich, professor of pharmacology at the Université de Montréal, said, "Through a blend of experimental methods and advanced computational modelling, we predicted the specific area where VP35 binds to ubiquitin chains, even identifying potential drug candidates that could disrupt this crucial interaction."&nbsp;

"This discovery not only deepens our understanding of how the virus works but also offers a promising avenue for the creation of more effective therapies. In particular, it paves the way for the design of drugs capable of disrupting this interaction and slowing down viral replication," Najmanovich added.&nbsp;

Watch: Covid: How a virus led to collapse of global health system&nbsp;

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Reports have mentioned the virus' natural reservoir animal is suspected to be a species of fruit bat, which does not itself fall ill but can pass the disease on to primates, including humans. Humans become exposed to the virus if they kill or butcher infected bats for food.&nbsp;

Among humans, the virus is passed on by contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of an infected or recently deceased person. This can include touching a sick or dead person, and likely also sexual intercourse.&nbsp;

Those infected do not become contagious until symptoms appear. They become more and more contagious until just after their death, which poses great risks during funerals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists in Canada and the United States have found a new way in which Ebola reproduces in the body. Ebola is a deadly virus affecting people mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scientists in Canada and the United States have found a new way in which Ebola reproduces in the body. Ebola is a deadly virus affecting people mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a viral haemorrhagic fever that was first identified in central Africa in 1976. The disease was named after a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo, then known as Zaire. Five of the virus species are known to cause disease in humans - Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, Reston and Tai Forest. The first three have resulted in serious outbreaks in Africa. Also read: Scientists harness food by-products to fight antimicrobial resistance The latest work by the scientists reveals a new target for antiviral drug development. The work might also lead to more effective therapies for this deadly disease. The findings of the study, titled "Ebola virus VP35 interacts non-covalently with ubiquitin chains to promote viral replication", were reported in the journal PLOS Biology. The collaboration includes pharmacologists from the Université de Montréal (UdeM), infectious disease specialists from Rutgers University, and a group of microbiologists, immunologists, and pathologists from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. Also read: Passive smoking exposure nearly doubles stroke risk, new study says The study focused on the interaction between ubiquitin, a protein found in human cells, and the Ebola virus VP35 protein. Notably, this contact is critical for the virus's capacity to proliferate and elude the immune system. As quoted by reports, co-author Rafael Najmanovich, professor of pharmacology at the Université de Montréal, said, "Through a blend of experimental methods and advanced computational modelling, we predicted the specific area where VP35 binds to ubiquitin chains, even identifying potential drug candidates that could disrupt this crucial interaction." "This discovery not only deepens our understanding of how the virus works but also offers a promising avenue for the creation of more effective therapies. In particular, it paves the way for the design of drugs capable of disrupting this interaction and slowing down viral replication," Najmanovich added. Watch: Covid: How a virus led to collapse of global health system × Reports have mentioned the virus' natural reservoir animal is suspected to be a species of fruit bat, which does not itself fall ill but can pass the disease on to primates, including humans. Humans become exposed to the virus if they kill or butcher infected bats for food. Among humans, the virus is passed on by contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of an infected or recently deceased person. This can include touching a sick or dead person, and likely also sexual intercourse. Those infected do not become contagious until symptoms appear. They become more and more contagious until just after their death, which poses great risks during funerals. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists now have better understanding of how Ebola virus replicates within human cells

A secret Chinese-owned bio lab in California was found to be hiding thousands of vials of various biological substances, which included some carrying the label "HIV" and a freezer marked “Ebola” which FBI and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier refused to investigate, as per a House committee report released Wednesday (Nov 15).&nbsp;

The illegal lab was operational in California and the public safety risk it posed came to light in December 2022 &nbsp;when observant code enforcement officer Jesalyn Harper saw a green garden hose in a hole in the side of a warehouse which was believed to be vacant for more than a decade.

Inside the illegal lab, Harper found manufacturing devices, laboratory equipment, vials, medical-grade freezers and lab mice. The vials were labelled in English and Mandarin and in a code which remains undeciphered.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-warn-catastrophic-factor-x-virus-waiting-to-be-unleashed-might-wipe-out-humanity-658462">Scientists warn catastrophic ‘Factor X’ virus waiting to be unleashed, might wipe out humanity</a>

She further discovered several individuals wearing lab coats who identified themselves as Chinese nationals.

<h2>Bio lab investigated for nine months&nbsp;</h2>

The discovery of Harper started a nine-month-long investigation by the city in which eventually Rep Jim Costa was roped in after the case was ignored by the FBI and CDC.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a 42-page report, wrote about the shocking findings in the alleged Chinese-owned research lab.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party had started its own investigation in September.&nbsp;

"Local officials spent months repeatedly trying to obtain assistance from the CDC,” the report states, adding that “the CDC refused to speak with them and, on a number of occasions, it was reported by local officials that the CDC hung up on them mid-conversation.”

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Disease X' could be 20 times deadlier than the Wuhan virus

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“Local officials were similarly unable to get any help from other federal agencies,” as per congressional investigators, which included the FBI. The local officials were informed by the FBI that “it had closed its investigation because the Bureau believed that there were no weapons of mass destruction on the property.” &nbsp;

With the help of Costa, CDC officials finally reached the Greeley bio lab and identified nearly 20 potentially infectious agents, which had many “serious or lethal human diseases.”&nbsp;

Some of the potentially infectious agents identified by the agency are SARS-CoV-2, Chlamydia, HIV, E. coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hepatitis B and C, Dengue virus, the Rubella virus and Malaria.

However, the CDC decided not to test samples or examine the vials which were not labelled, even after city officials decided to pay for the testing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A secret Chinese-owned bio lab in California was found to be hiding thousands of vials of various biological substances, which included some carrying the label "HIV" and a freezer marked “Ebola” which FBI and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier refused to investigate, as per a House committee report released Wednesday (Nov 15).

A secret Chinese-owned bio lab in California was found to be hiding thousands of vials of various biological substances, which included some carrying the label "HIV" and a freezer marked “Ebola” which FBI and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier refused to investigate, as per a House committee report released Wednesday (Nov 15). The illegal lab was operational in California and the public safety risk it posed came to light in December 2022 when observant code enforcement officer Jesalyn Harper saw a green garden hose in a hole in the side of a warehouse which was believed to be vacant for more than a decade. Inside the illegal lab, Harper found manufacturing devices, laboratory equipment, vials, medical-grade freezers and lab mice. The vials were labelled in English and Mandarin and in a code which remains undeciphered. Also Read: Scientists warn catastrophic ‘Factor X’ virus waiting to be unleashed, might wipe out humanity She further discovered several individuals wearing lab coats who identified themselves as Chinese nationals. Bio lab investigated for nine months The discovery of Harper started a nine-month-long investigation by the city in which eventually Rep Jim Costa was roped in after the case was ignored by the FBI and CDC. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a 42-page report, wrote about the shocking findings in the alleged Chinese-owned research lab. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party had started its own investigation in September. "Local officials spent months repeatedly trying to obtain assistance from the CDC,” the report states, adding that “the CDC refused to speak with them and, on a number of occasions, it was reported by local officials that the CDC hung up on them mid-conversation.” Watch: Gravitas: 'Disease X' could be 20 times deadlier than the Wuhan virus “Local officials were similarly unable to get any help from other federal agencies,” as per congressional investigators, which included the FBI. The local officials were informed by the FBI that “it had closed its investigation because the Bureau believed that there were no weapons of mass destruction on the property.” With the help of Costa, CDC officials finally reached the Greeley bio lab and identified nearly 20 potentially infectious agents, which had many “serious or lethal human diseases.” Some of the potentially infectious agents identified by the agency are SARS-CoV-2, Chlamydia, HIV, E. coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hepatitis B and C, Dengue virus, the Rubella virus and Malaria. However, the CDC decided not to test samples or examine the vials which were not labelled, even after city officials decided to pay for the testing. (With inputs from agencies)

Illegal biolab owned by China in California hiding pathogens labeled ‘HIV’, ‘Ebola’

Marburg virus, which is similar as Ebola, has been spreading in parts of Africa. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged all travellers going to Guinea and Tanzania to take prevention to avoid catching the deadly virus.

Marburg virus: US health body warns travellers to observe symptoms for 21 days

The Central African nation Equatorial Guinea, on Monday (February 13) confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease after at least nine people died in the Kie-Ntem province, said the country’s health minister. Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming the outbreak said it would increase its epidemiological surveillance in the Central African nation which has also reported approximately 16 suspected cases.&nbsp;

What do we know about the “outbreak” so far?

More than 200 people have been placed under quarantine in Equatorial Guinea’s Kie-Ntem province due to the outbreak of the Marburg virus which according to the WHO is a highly infectious and deadly disease, similar to Ebola. According to reports, people in the Central African nation have reported symptoms including fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit and diarrhoea.

In a statement, the health agency said, “Further investigations are ongoing. Advance teams have been deployed in the affected districts to trace contacts, isolate and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the disease.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equatorial-guinea-confirms-its-first-ever-ebola-like-virus-disease-marburg-after-9-dead-561678">Equatorial Guinea confirms its first-ever Ebola-related virus disease, Marburg, after 9 dead</a>

Last week, the Central African nation, said that an investigation into the suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever in the rural eastern region bordering Gabon and Cameroon was underway and only three people had shown some “light symptoms.” However, days later, the Health Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, said that a “health alert” has been issued in Kie-Ntem province and the neighbouring Mongomo district.&nbsp;

Additionally, the health minister also said that the “lockdown plan implemented” was in consultation with the WHO and the United Nations. “Surveillance in the field has been intensified”, said the health agency’s representative in Equatorial Guinea, George Ameh. He added, “Contact tracing, as you know, is a cornerstone of the response. We have…redeployed the COVID-19 teams that were there for contact tracing and quickly retrofitted them to really help us out.”

As of now, they are working on a 30-day response plan where they will be able to quantify and gauge the exact measures and needs, said the WHO representative in Equatorial Guinea. According to the WHO, the local health authorities reported an unknown illness causing hemorrhagic fever cases and it was not until the samples were sent to Senegal that they were able to confirm at least one positive case of the Marburg virus disease in the country.&nbsp;

Suspected cases detected in Cameroon

The neighbouring Cameroon, which had previously restricted movement along its borders over concerns about the virus also reported two suspected cases of Marburg disease on Tuesday (February 15). The region where it was detected, Olamze, is said to be a commune on the border with Equatorial Guinea, said the local public health delegate Robert Mathurin Bidjang.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-equatorial-guinea-reports-9-marburg-deaths-who-calls-for-an-emergency-meeting-562071">Gravitas: Equatorial Guinea reports 9 Marburg deaths. WHO calls for an emergency meeting</a> 
 
In a meeting at the country’s capital Yaounde, Bidjang said that the two suspected cases of the Marburg disease detected on February 13 and the 16-year-old children, a boy and a girl, “have no previous travel history to the affected areas in Equatorial Guinea”. He added that some 42 people have come in contact with these children and have since been identified as they continue to contact trace, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

What is Marburg disease?

According to the WHO, the Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent disease which comes from the same family of viruses that causes Ebola. The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused multiple and simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt as well as the Serbian capital Belgrade. At least seven people died after being exposed to the virus who were said to have been conducting research on monkeys. The disease was also later associated with the African green monkeys from Uganda, however, the natural carrier of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat.&nbsp;

How fatal is it?

The fatality ratio of the disease is up to 88 per cent, as per WHO. However, depending on the strain and the management of symptoms, the fatality rates for the virus can be lowered to at least 24 per cent. Furthermore, the Marburg virus is part of the so-called filovirus family which includes Ebola which has led to thousands of deaths in the African continent over the years. Previously, an outbreak of the Marburg virus took place in Angola and killed 90 per cent of the little over 250 people infected. The disease also led to two deaths in Ghana just last year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-insights/ghana-reports-2-deaths-from-marburg-which-has-fatality-rate-of-88-here-are-its-symptoms-treatment-more-498408">Ghana reports 2 deaths from Marburg, which has fatality rate of 88%. Here are its symptoms, treatment &amp; more</a> 
 
Is it transmissible?

Yes, like Ebola human-to-human transmission of this virus occurs through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people, or surfaces.&nbsp;

What are the symptoms of Marburg disease?

According to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Around the 5th day, the infected person can also experience nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Additionally, many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, as per the WHO. The virus reportedly also targets several organs at the time, affecting the body’s ability to function and can also cause confusion in the infected person. &nbsp;

Is there any treatment or vaccine?

So far, there have been no authorised vaccines or drugs to treat Marburg disease. However, rehydration seems to have alleviated symptoms and can improve the chances of survival.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Central African nation Equatorial Guinea, on Monday (February 13) confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease after at least nine people died in the Kie-Ntem province, said the country’s health minister.

The Central African nation Equatorial Guinea, on Monday (February 13) confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease after at least nine people died in the Kie-Ntem province, said the country’s health minister. Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming the outbreak said it would increase its epidemiological surveillance in the Central African nation which has also reported approximately 16 suspected cases. What do we know about the “outbreak” so far? More than 200 people have been placed under quarantine in Equatorial Guinea’s Kie-Ntem province due to the outbreak of the Marburg virus which according to the WHO is a highly infectious and deadly disease, similar to Ebola. According to reports, people in the Central African nation have reported symptoms including fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit and diarrhoea. In a statement, the health agency said, “Further investigations are ongoing. Advance teams have been deployed in the affected districts to trace contacts, isolate and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the disease.” ALSO READ | Equatorial Guinea confirms its first-ever Ebola-related virus disease, Marburg, after 9 dead Last week, the Central African nation, said that an investigation into the suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever in the rural eastern region bordering Gabon and Cameroon was underway and only three people had shown some “light symptoms.” However, days later, the Health Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, said that a “health alert” has been issued in Kie-Ntem province and the neighbouring Mongomo district. Additionally, the health minister also said that the “lockdown plan implemented” was in consultation with the WHO and the United Nations. “Surveillance in the field has been intensified”, said the health agency’s representative in Equatorial Guinea, George Ameh. He added, “Contact tracing, as you know, is a cornerstone of the response. We have…redeployed the COVID-19 teams that were there for contact tracing and quickly retrofitted them to really help us out.” As of now, they are working on a 30-day response plan where they will be able to quantify and gauge the exact measures and needs, said the WHO representative in Equatorial Guinea. According to the WHO, the local health authorities reported an unknown illness causing hemorrhagic fever cases and it was not until the samples were sent to Senegal that they were able to confirm at least one positive case of the Marburg virus disease in the country. Suspected cases detected in Cameroon The neighbouring Cameroon, which had previously restricted movement along its borders over concerns about the virus also reported two suspected cases of Marburg disease on Tuesday (February 15). The region where it was detected, Olamze, is said to be a commune on the border with Equatorial Guinea, said the local public health delegate Robert Mathurin Bidjang. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Equatorial Guinea reports 9 Marburg deaths. WHO calls for an emergency meeting In a meeting at the country’s capital Yaounde, Bidjang said that the two suspected cases of the Marburg disease detected on February 13 and the 16-year-old children, a boy and a girl, “have no previous travel history to the affected areas in Equatorial Guinea”. He added that some 42 people have come in contact with these children and have since been identified as they continue to contact trace, reported Reuters. What is Marburg disease? According to the WHO, the Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent disease which comes from the same family of viruses that causes Ebola. The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused multiple and simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt as well as the Serbian capital Belgrade. At least seven people died after being exposed to the virus who were said to have been conducting research on monkeys. The disease was also later associated with the African green monkeys from Uganda, however, the natural carrier of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat. How fatal is it? The fatality ratio of the disease is up to 88 per cent, as per WHO. However, depending on the strain and the management of symptoms, the fatality rates for the virus can be lowered to at least 24 per cent. Furthermore, the Marburg virus is part of the so-called filovirus family which includes Ebola which has led to thousands of deaths in the African continent over the years. Previously, an outbreak of the Marburg virus took place in Angola and killed 90 per cent of the little over 250 people infected. The disease also led to two deaths in Ghana just last year. ALSO READ | Ghana reports 2 deaths from Marburg, which has fatality rate of 88%. Here are its symptoms, treatment & more Is it transmissible? Yes, like Ebola human-to-human transmission of this virus occurs through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people, or surfaces. What are the symptoms of Marburg disease? According to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Around the 5th day, the infected person can also experience nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Additionally, many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, as per the WHO. The virus reportedly also targets several organs at the time, affecting the body’s ability to function and can also cause confusion in the infected person. Is there any treatment or vaccine? So far, there have been no authorised vaccines or drugs to treat Marburg disease. However, rehydration seems to have alleviated symptoms and can improve the chances of survival. (With inputs from agencies)

Equatorial Guinea confirms Marburg virus outbreak, suspected cases in Cameroon: Here's what we know so far

Uganda's president has extended a six-week lockdown on two districts at the epicentre of an Ebola outbreak in the nation.&nbsp;Describing the situation as "still fragile", President Yoweri Museveni extended a lockdown on the two central districts of Mubende and Kassandra by 21 days.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;World of Africa: Ebola outbreak in Uganda

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In a speech to the nation, Museveni said&nbsp;"If we open now and a case appears, we will have destroyed all the gains made in this war" adding, "I therefore appeal for calm and understanding. Our health workers will continue to do all it takes to save lives and bring the epidemic to an end."

The outbreak as per AFP was declared on September 20 and since then Ebola has spread across Uganda and has even spread to the capital Kampala. However, health authorities this week said that the number of cases was falling.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-ebola-epidemic-death-toll-climbs-to-44-says-who-527043">Uganda Ebola epidemic death toll climbs to 44, says WHO</a>

According to the health minister, Jane Ruth Aceng, there are indications that Uganda is "winning" the battle since the number of new cases being reported is falling.

Museveni also said that while it was still too soon to rejoice, "but overall I have been briefed that the picture is good."

The&nbsp;Uganda office of WHO said that as of November 22, no cases have been reported for nine days in Kampala, 10 days in Mubende, and&nbsp;12 days in Kassanda.

Mubende and Kassanda, were originally placed under a 21-day lockdown on October 15.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-outbreak-us-sends-experimental-antibody-and-antiviral-drug-to-uganda-526827">Ebola outbreak: US sends experimental antibody and antiviral drug to Uganda</a>

The measures include closing markets, pubs, and churches, enforcing a dusk-to-dawn curfew, and a restriction on personal travel.&nbsp;

On November 5, it was extended by an additional 21 days.

The outbreak has to date claimed the lives of 55 people. A total of 141 cases have been reported since the beginning of the outbreak, said the country's health ministry on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Uganda's president has extended a six-week lockdown on two districts at the epicentre of an Ebola outbreak in the nation. Describing the situation as "still fragile", President Yoweri Museveni extended a lockdown on the two central districts of Mubende and Kassandra by 21 days.

Uganda's president has extended a six-week lockdown on two districts at the epicentre of an Ebola outbreak in the nation. Describing the situation as "still fragile", President Yoweri Museveni extended a lockdown on the two central districts of Mubende and Kassandra by 21 days. Watch | World of Africa: Ebola outbreak in Uganda In a speech to the nation, Museveni said "If we open now and a case appears, we will have destroyed all the gains made in this war" adding, "I therefore appeal for calm and understanding. Our health workers will continue to do all it takes to save lives and bring the epidemic to an end." The outbreak as per AFP was declared on September 20 and since then Ebola has spread across Uganda and has even spread to the capital Kampala. However, health authorities this week said that the number of cases was falling. Also read | Uganda Ebola epidemic death toll climbs to 44, says WHO According to the health minister, Jane Ruth Aceng, there are indications that Uganda is "winning" the battle since the number of new cases being reported is falling. Museveni also said that while it was still too soon to rejoice, "but overall I have been briefed that the picture is good." The Uganda office of WHO said that as of November 22, no cases have been reported for nine days in Kampala, 10 days in Mubende, and 12 days in Kassanda. Mubende and Kassanda, were originally placed under a 21-day lockdown on October 15. Also read | Ebola outbreak: US sends experimental antibody and antiviral drug to Uganda The measures include closing markets, pubs, and churches, enforcing a dusk-to-dawn curfew, and a restriction on personal travel. On November 5, it was extended by an additional 21 days. The outbreak has to date claimed the lives of 55 people. A total of 141 cases have been reported since the beginning of the outbreak, said the country's health ministry on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni extends Ebola lockdown in Mubende and Kassandra by 21 days

Amid a rise in cases after the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni imposed a lockdown on two districts on Saturday. Restrictions have been imposed on personal travel, a night curfew has been ordered in the districts, which are at the epicentre of the outbreak. The authorities have also closed public places.&nbsp;

Now, the news agency Reuters has reported citing government sources that the United States sent Gilead Sciences' remdesivir and Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc's experimental Ebola antibody drug MBP134 to Uganda last week.&nbsp;

The aid is aimed at safeguarding the healthcare workers who are currently responding to the outbreak. Authorities have also revealed that around 60 people are infected and at least 44 dead because of the virus.&nbsp;

Remdesivir is the undisclosed monoclonal antibody that had been given to healthcare workers. The information was disclosed by the health minister of Uganda, Jane Ruth Aceng, at a meeting of African region health officials last week in Kampala. Aceng apparently mentioned the US shipments of the medicines. Remdesivir has been widely used as a (coronavirus) COVID-19 treatment.&nbsp;

Joel Montgomery, who is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s chief of the viral special pathogens branch and incident manager for the outbreak, said that providing treatment that protects the lives of healthcare workers could be central to containing the outbreak.&nbsp;

Montgomery said, "If healthcare workers start to fall ill and die, it's going to negatively impact the response." He had just returned from a trip to Uganda.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Currently, there are no proven vaccines or treatments for the Sudan species of Ebola, one of four known Ebola viruses to cause hemorrhagic fever in humans.

The outbreak confirmed by the Ugandan health ministry on September&nbsp;20 is the largest of the Sudan species since 2000.&nbsp;

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Amid a rise in cases after the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni imposed a lockdown on two districts on Saturday. Restrictions have been imposed on personal travel, a night curfew has been ordered in the districts, which are at the epicentre of the outbreak.

Amid a rise in cases after the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni imposed a lockdown on two districts on Saturday. Restrictions have been imposed on personal travel, a night curfew has been ordered in the districts, which are at the epicentre of the outbreak. The authorities have also closed public places. Now, the news agency Reuters has reported citing government sources that the United States sent Gilead Sciences' remdesivir and Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc's experimental Ebola antibody drug MBP134 to Uganda last week. The aid is aimed at safeguarding the healthcare workers who are currently responding to the outbreak. Authorities have also revealed that around 60 people are infected and at least 44 dead because of the virus. Remdesivir is the undisclosed monoclonal antibody that had been given to healthcare workers. The information was disclosed by the health minister of Uganda, Jane Ruth Aceng, at a meeting of African region health officials last week in Kampala. Aceng apparently mentioned the US shipments of the medicines. Remdesivir has been widely used as a (coronavirus) COVID-19 treatment. Joel Montgomery, who is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s chief of the viral special pathogens branch and incident manager for the outbreak, said that providing treatment that protects the lives of healthcare workers could be central to containing the outbreak. Montgomery said, "If healthcare workers start to fall ill and die, it's going to negatively impact the response." He had just returned from a trip to Uganda. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH | Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why × Currently, there are no proven vaccines or treatments for the Sudan species of Ebola, one of four known Ebola viruses to cause hemorrhagic fever in humans. The outbreak confirmed by the Ugandan health ministry on September 20 is the largest of the Sudan species since 2000. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ebola outbreak: US sends experimental antibody and antiviral drug to Uganda

Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, announced a lockdown in two districts that are the center of an Ebola outbreak on Saturday (October 15), issued a nighttime curfew, and closed public spaces.

Since the epidemic was initially reported on September 20, the health ministry claimed that there have been 19 deaths and 59 confirmed cases of the lethal viral hemorrhagic fever. Despite a couple of positive tests, authorities claim that the outbreak is limited to the country's central regions.

In a televised address on Saturday, Museveni ordered Mubende and Kassandra for immediate lockdowns, imposed a curfew, banned travel, and even shot down markets, and churches for 21 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-outbreak-us-announces-tighter-screening-for-those-traveled-to-uganda-523395">Also read |&nbsp;Ebola outbreak: US announces tighter screening for Uganda travellers</a>

Museveni, being a former guerilla leader, said, "I now direct as follows: movements now into and out of Mubende and Kassandra districts are now prohibited. If you are in Mubende and Kassandra districts, stay there for 21 days, AFP reported.

He added that any form of transportation was to be put on hold in the meantime. However, cargo trucks will be permitted.&nbsp;

He has also ordered police to detain anyone believed to have contracted the virus who refused to go into isolation and ordered traditional doctors to treat sick people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-ebola-infections-on-the-rise-23-deaths-linked-520185">Also read |&nbsp;Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked</a>

To recognise the virus, some symptoms of Ebola include fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea.

The last fatalities reported in Uganda were in the year 2019.&nbsp;

The Sudan Ebola virus or which currently there are no vaccines is the strain in Uganda presently.&nbsp;

However, according to the World Health Organisation, clinical trials for medicines and vaccines to treat the virus are on the way.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)



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Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, announced a lockdown in two districts that are the center of an Ebola outbreak on Saturday (October 15), issued a nighttime curfew, and closed public spaces.

Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, announced a lockdown in two districts that are the center of an Ebola outbreak on Saturday (October 15), issued a nighttime curfew, and closed public spaces. Since the epidemic was initially reported on September 20, the health ministry claimed that there have been 19 deaths and 59 confirmed cases of the lethal viral hemorrhagic fever. Despite a couple of positive tests, authorities claim that the outbreak is limited to the country's central regions. In a televised address on Saturday, Museveni ordered Mubende and Kassandra for immediate lockdowns, imposed a curfew, banned travel, and even shot down markets, and churches for 21 days. Also read | Ebola outbreak: US announces tighter screening for Uganda travellers Museveni, being a former guerilla leader, said, "I now direct as follows: movements now into and out of Mubende and Kassandra districts are now prohibited. If you are in Mubende and Kassandra districts, stay there for 21 days, AFP reported. He added that any form of transportation was to be put on hold in the meantime. However, cargo trucks will be permitted. He has also ordered police to detain anyone believed to have contracted the virus who refused to go into isolation and ordered traditional doctors to treat sick people. Also read | Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked To recognise the virus, some symptoms of Ebola include fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea. The last fatalities reported in Uganda were in the year 2019. The Sudan Ebola virus or which currently there are no vaccines is the strain in Uganda presently. However, according to the World Health Organisation, clinical trials for medicines and vaccines to treat the virus are on the way. (With inputs from agencies)  WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Uganda's president declares lockdown for three weeks over Ebola outbreak 

Amid reports of Ebola outbreak in Uganda, the United States announced on Thursday (October 6) that a tighter screening will be done of people who travelled to the African country, in five designated airports.&nbsp;

As per the State Department, air travellers who have entered the US and been in Uganda 21 days before arrival, will have to undergo screening.&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Customs and Border Protection have designated five airports in the country for screening. The airports for screening are in New York, Newark, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-hong-kong-to-make-covid-pcr-tests-available-within-walking-distance-like-china-523384">Report: Hong Kong to make Covid PCR tests available within walking distance like China</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Flooding in Niger raises concerns, nearly 200 dead&nbsp;

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Recently, CDC issued a warning over Ebola virus disease (EVD) since the Ugandan Health Ministry declared an outbreak in the Mubende district on September 20.&nbsp;

According to the CDC, the outbreak seems to be limited to five districts in central Uganda. The CDC said that "no suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States or other countries outside of Uganda."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that sixty-three confirmed and probable cases have been reported in the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, including 29 deaths.&nbsp;

The outbreak was declared two weeks ago and the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that it was taking a deadly toll on health workers as well as patients.&nbsp;

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The outbreak was declared two weeks ago and the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that it was taking a deadly toll on health workers as well as patients.&nbsp;

Tedros told a press conference in Geneva: "So far, 63 confirmed and probable cases have been reported, including 29 deaths. Ten health workers have been infected and four have died. Four people have recovered and are receiving follow-up care."&nbsp;

Amid reports of Ebola outbreak in Uganda, the United States announced on Thursday (October 6) that a tighter screening will be done of people who travelled to the African country, in five designated airports.

Amid reports of Ebola outbreak in Uganda, the United States announced on Thursday (October 6) that a tighter screening will be done of people who travelled to the African country, in five designated airports. As per the State Department, air travellers who have entered the US and been in Uganda 21 days before arrival, will have to undergo screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Customs and Border Protection have designated five airports in the country for screening. The airports for screening are in New York, Newark, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington. ALSO READ | Report: Hong Kong to make Covid PCR tests available within walking distance like China WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Flooding in Niger raises concerns, nearly 200 dead × ALSO READ | President Joe Biden signs executive order to implement US-EU data privacy framework Recently, CDC issued a warning over Ebola virus disease (EVD) since the Ugandan Health Ministry declared an outbreak in the Mubende district on September 20. According to the CDC, the outbreak seems to be limited to five districts in central Uganda. The CDC said that "no suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States or other countries outside of Uganda." On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that sixty-three confirmed and probable cases have been reported in the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, including 29 deaths. The outbreak was declared two weeks ago and the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that it was taking a deadly toll on health workers as well as patients. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. The outbreak was declared two weeks ago and the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that it was taking a deadly toll on health workers as well as patients. Tedros told a press conference in Geneva: "So far, 63 confirmed and probable cases have been reported, including 29 deaths. Ten health workers have been infected and four have died. Four people have recovered and are receiving follow-up care."

Ebola outbreak: US announces tighter screening for Uganda travellers

It's all about Africa's preparedness to fight and control diseases that periodically pop-up. The deadly Ebola virus has re-emerged but governments and health officials are confident that they are better equipped to battle the spread of this new but mild strain.

World of Africa: Ebola outbreak in Uganda

On Monday Uganda’s health ministry indicated Ebola infections have risen across several districts in the country with at least 23 confirmed and suspected deaths. The outbreak of the infection was declared last week on Tuesday after a rare Sudan strain was discovered in the Mubende district of the country.&nbsp;

The local media reports said that the virus has now spread to Kyegegwa and Kassanda districts. Meanwhile, the total number of cases has risen to 36, including the probable and confirmed ones, said the Ugandan Health Ministry. Out of the 23 deaths recorded due to the infection, 5 were confirmed cases while 18 are probable cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also sent a team to the east African nation to help combat the outbreak. The WHO has also indicated that there is no cure for the spreading infection nor a vaccine has been found yet, however, early detection and treatment of the symptoms can significantly increase the chance of survival.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-outbreak-declared-in-uganda-by-who-517973">Ebola outbreak declared in Uganda by WHO</a>

The country’s health ministry considers a “probable case” if any person is suspected to have died due to the Ebola virus and had an epidemiological link to the confirmed case but was not tested or does not have lab confirmation.&nbsp;

On the other hand, “confirmed cases” are those that have positive lab results. The Ugandan Health Ministry has also said that around 35 people are currently being admitted. So far, there have been no cases detected in the capital city Kampala, the local media reported

According to WHO, a vaccine against the rare Sudan strain has not been tested for its efficacy, while the current Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) vaccine has been effective against the Zaire variant of the Ebola virus. Uganda has witnessed four outbreaks of Ebola, the deadliest one was the one in 2000, which caused the death of over 200 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On Monday Uganda’s health ministry indicated Ebola infections have risen across several districts in the country with at least 23 confirmed and suspected deaths.

On Monday Uganda’s health ministry indicated Ebola infections have risen across several districts in the country with at least 23 confirmed and suspected deaths. The outbreak of the infection was declared last week on Tuesday after a rare Sudan strain was discovered in the Mubende district of the country. The local media reports said that the virus has now spread to Kyegegwa and Kassanda districts. Meanwhile, the total number of cases has risen to 36, including the probable and confirmed ones, said the Ugandan Health Ministry. Out of the 23 deaths recorded due to the infection, 5 were confirmed cases while 18 are probable cases. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also sent a team to the east African nation to help combat the outbreak. The WHO has also indicated that there is no cure for the spreading infection nor a vaccine has been found yet, however, early detection and treatment of the symptoms can significantly increase the chance of survival. ALSO READ: Ebola outbreak declared in Uganda by WHO The country’s health ministry considers a “probable case” if any person is suspected to have died due to the Ebola virus and had an epidemiological link to the confirmed case but was not tested or does not have lab confirmation. On the other hand, “confirmed cases” are those that have positive lab results. The Ugandan Health Ministry has also said that around 35 people are currently being admitted. So far, there have been no cases detected in the capital city Kampala, the local media reported According to WHO, a vaccine against the rare Sudan strain has not been tested for its efficacy, while the current Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) vaccine has been effective against the Zaire variant of the Ebola virus. Uganda has witnessed four outbreaks of Ebola, the deadliest one was the one in 2000, which caused the death of over 200 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been declared in Uganda, the country's health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

The ministry said on Twitter that there had been a confirmed Ebola case in the central Mubende district, a 24-year-old man who showed symptoms and later died.

The WHO's Africa office said in a statement that the case was of the relatively rare Sudan strain after Ugandan health authorities investigated six suspicious deaths in the district this month.

"There are currently eight suspected cases who are receiving care in a health facility," WHO Africa said, adding it was helping Uganda's health authorities with their investigation and deploying staff to the affected area.

Ebola is believed to be carried by fruit bats from the Pteropodidae species, but once an Ebola epidemic has started, the transmission of the virus between humans occurs via body fluid and needles contaminated by infected secretions.

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&nbsp;

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been declared in Uganda, the country's health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. The ministry said on Twitter that there had been a confirmed Ebola case in the central Mubende district, a 24-year-old man who showed symptoms and later died.

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been declared in Uganda, the country's health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. The ministry said on Twitter that there had been a confirmed Ebola case in the central Mubende district, a 24-year-old man who showed symptoms and later died. The WHO's Africa office said in a statement that the case was of the relatively rare Sudan strain after Ugandan health authorities investigated six suspicious deaths in the district this month. "There are currently eight suspected cases who are receiving care in a health facility," WHO Africa said, adding it was helping Uganda's health authorities with their investigation and deploying staff to the affected area. Ebola is believed to be carried by fruit bats from the Pteropodidae species, but once an Ebola epidemic has started, the transmission of the virus between humans occurs via body fluid and needles contaminated by infected secretions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ebola outbreak declared in Uganda by WHO

Amid Monkeypox outbreak, WHO warns about rising number of 'zoonotic' diseases. Here's what it means

Ebola&nbsp;survivors can relapse and trigger outbreaks at least five years after infection, and long-term follow-up of former patients is needed to prevent devastating flare-ups, according to new research.

Scientists already knew&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;could lie dormant in survivors, who test negative because the virus is in tissue rather than circulating in the blood.

But analysis of an outbreak this year in Guinea, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, found these "virus reservoirs" can awaken and cause new infections and transmission years on.

To trace the source of the Guinea outbreak, which involved 16 confirmed cases, 12 of whom died, researchers analysed the genomes of samples from several patients.

Ebola&nbsp;outbreaks are usually thought to result from the virus "spilling" from an animal host to a human.

But the analysis showed the Guinea strain was virtually identical to that from a 2013-16 wave.

If the virus had been circulating actively in the community since then, it would have accumulated a certain number of mutations as it spread.

Instead, the 2021 virus had just 12 changes, "far fewer than would be expected... during six years of sustained human-to-human transmission".

That strongly suggests the source was reactivated virus that had lain dormant in a survivor, said Alpha Keita, a researcher at the University of Montpellier who led the study.

"This is the longest known time between the declared end of an epidemic and a viral resurgence," he told AFP.

"It's a new paradigm: the possibility that transmission from an individual infected during a previous epidemic could be the source of a new outbreak."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-ebola-origin-symptoms-and-treatment-of-a-virus-that-could-reappear-years-later-in-survivors-413329">What is Ebola?: Origin, symptoms and treatment of a virus that could reappear years later in survivors</a>

How and why dormant&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;virus suddenly awakens and sickens a person remains something of a mystery, though there are some tantalising clues.

Sometimes a spike in&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;antibodies can be detected in survivors at a given time -- a possible sign that the body is responding to a resurgent virus.

Around two-thirds of&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;survivors have high antibody levels even five years after infection, but "the question to pose is what happens if there's a resurgence in the people whose immunity has dropped", said Keita.

Fears of stigma

The study's findings have "considerable implications for public health and care of survivors of&nbsp;Ebola", said Robert F. Garry of Tulane University's School of Medicine.

"Humans can now be added to the list of intermediate hosts that can serve as long-term&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;virus 'reservoirs' and trigger new outbreaks," he wrote in a review commissioned by Nature.

He sees the need to prioritise healthcare workers for vaccination and monitor&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;survivors for signs of a flare-up.

And Keita wants a rethink of the term "Ebola&nbsp;survivor" to include not only those who battled through symptoms but also those who may have been infected without becoming ill.

Even asymptomatic individuals "could be the starting point" for an outbreak, he warned.

"We need a real, long-term follow-up protocol for former&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;patients and their contacts so we can catch resurgence in previously infected people in time."

He cautions though that follow-up must be done cautiously to avoid ostracisation of survivors, a point echoed by Trudie Lang, director of Oxford University's Global Health Network.

"These people are considered heroes by some for surviving," she said.

"Yet (they) could also be stigmatised and excluded if there is a fear of these individuals presenting a risk."

Lang, who was not involved in the study, called it "important new evidence," and a reminder of the need to support research on threats other than Covid-19.

Keita said the research paves the way for various additional study, including on what causes viral resurgence and the possibility of eradicating&nbsp;Ebola&nbsp;reservoirs in survivors.

Ebola survivors can relapse and trigger outbreaks at least five years after infection, and long-term follow-up of former patients is needed to prevent devastating flare-ups, according to new research.

Ebola survivors can relapse and trigger outbreaks at least five years after infection, and long-term follow-up of former patients is needed to prevent devastating flare-ups, according to new research. Scientists already knew Ebola could lie dormant in survivors, who test negative because the virus is in tissue rather than circulating in the blood. But analysis of an outbreak this year in Guinea, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, found these "virus reservoirs" can awaken and cause new infections and transmission years on. To trace the source of the Guinea outbreak, which involved 16 confirmed cases, 12 of whom died, researchers analysed the genomes of samples from several patients. Ebola outbreaks are usually thought to result from the virus "spilling" from an animal host to a human. But the analysis showed the Guinea strain was virtually identical to that from a 2013-16 wave. If the virus had been circulating actively in the community since then, it would have accumulated a certain number of mutations as it spread. Instead, the 2021 virus had just 12 changes, "far fewer than would be expected... during six years of sustained human-to-human transmission". That strongly suggests the source was reactivated virus that had lain dormant in a survivor, said Alpha Keita, a researcher at the University of Montpellier who led the study. "This is the longest known time between the declared end of an epidemic and a viral resurgence," he told AFP. "It's a new paradigm: the possibility that transmission from an individual infected during a previous epidemic could be the source of a new outbreak." ALSO READ | What is Ebola?: Origin, symptoms and treatment of a virus that could reappear years later in survivors How and why dormant Ebola virus suddenly awakens and sickens a person remains something of a mystery, though there are some tantalising clues. Sometimes a spike in Ebola antibodies can be detected in survivors at a given time -- a possible sign that the body is responding to a resurgent virus. Around two-thirds of Ebola survivors have high antibody levels even five years after infection, but "the question to pose is what happens if there's a resurgence in the people whose immunity has dropped", said Keita. Fears of stigma The study's findings have "considerable implications for public health and care of survivors of Ebola", said Robert F. Garry of Tulane University's School of Medicine. "Humans can now be added to the list of intermediate hosts that can serve as long-term Ebola virus 'reservoirs' and trigger new outbreaks," he wrote in a review commissioned by Nature. He sees the need to prioritise healthcare workers for vaccination and monitor Ebola survivors for signs of a flare-up. And Keita wants a rethink of the term "Ebola survivor" to include not only those who battled through symptoms but also those who may have been infected without becoming ill. Even asymptomatic individuals "could be the starting point" for an outbreak, he warned. "We need a real, long-term follow-up protocol for former Ebola patients and their contacts so we can catch resurgence in previously infected people in time." He cautions though that follow-up must be done cautiously to avoid ostracisation of survivors, a point echoed by Trudie Lang, director of Oxford University's Global Health Network. "These people are considered heroes by some for surviving," she said. "Yet (they) could also be stigmatised and excluded if there is a fear of these individuals presenting a risk." Lang, who was not involved in the study, called it "important new evidence," and a reminder of the need to support research on threats other than Covid-19. Keita said the research paves the way for various additional study, including on what causes viral resurgence and the possibility of eradicating Ebola reservoirs in survivors.

Ebola virus in survivors can trigger outbreaks years after infection

What is Ebola?: Origin, symptoms and treatment of a virus that could reappear years later in survivors

Guinea confirmed a case of&nbsp;Marburg&nbsp;disease, the World Health Organization said on Monday, the first recorded in West Africa of the lethal virus that's related to Ebola and, like Covid-19, passed from animal hosts to humans.

The virus, which is carried by bats and has a fatality rate of up to 88 per cent, was found in samples taken from a patient who died on August 2 in southern Gueckedou prefecture, the WHO said.

"The potential for the&nbsp;Marburg&nbsp;virus to spread far and wide means we need to stop it in its tracks," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The discovery comes just two months after the WHO declared an end to Guinea's second outbreak of Ebola, which started last year and claimed 12 lives.

In Geneva, the WHO said it considered the threat "high" at the national and regional level, but "low" globally.

"We are working with the health authorities to implement a swift response that builds on Guinea’s past experience and expertise in managing Ebola, which is transmitted in a similar way,” Moeti said.

The Guinean government confirmed the&nbsp;Marburg&nbsp;case in a statement.

Marburg&nbsp;virus is usually associated with exposure to caves or mines housing colonies of Rousettus bats. Once caught by a human, it is spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected people, or with contaminated surfaces and materials, according to the WHO.

“We applaud the alertness and the quick investigative action by Guinea’s health workers," Moeti said.&nbsp;

The case was detected in a village in a forested region close to the borders of Sierra Leone and Liberia.&nbsp;

The man's symptoms date back to July 25, the WHO said.&nbsp;

After being initially treated at a local clinic and tested for malaria, the patient died "in the community", the WHO said.&nbsp;

Post-mortem samples then tested negative for Ebola, but positive for&nbsp;Marburg.

Ten WHO experts, including epidemiologists and socio-anthropologists, are already in the field to support national health authorities.

The emergency response includes risk assessment, disease surveillance, community mobilisation and screening, clinical care, infection control and logistical support, WHO said.&nbsp;

Cross-border surveillance has also been stepped up so that possible cases can be quickly detected, it said.

Three family members of the deceased and a healthcare worker have been identified as high-risk close contacts and are being monitored, while investigations are underway to identify the source of the infection and any other possible contacts, the WHO said.

Previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in South Africa, Angola, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.&nbsp;

But this is the first time the virus has been detected in West Africa.&nbsp;The disease begins suddenly, with a high fever, severe headache and discomfort.&nbsp;

Fatality rates have ranged from 24 per cent to 88 per cent in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and case management, the WHO says.&nbsp;

Although there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments, oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms improve survival rates, it says.&nbsp;

Guinea confirmed a case of Marburg disease, the World Health Organization said on Monday, the first recorded in West Africa of the lethal virus that's related to Ebola and, like Covid-19, passed from animal hosts to humans.

Guinea confirmed a case of Marburg disease, the World Health Organization said on Monday, the first recorded in West Africa of the lethal virus that's related to Ebola and, like Covid-19, passed from animal hosts to humans. The virus, which is carried by bats and has a fatality rate of up to 88 per cent, was found in samples taken from a patient who died on August 2 in southern Gueckedou prefecture, the WHO said. "The potential for the Marburg virus to spread far and wide means we need to stop it in its tracks," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. The discovery comes just two months after the WHO declared an end to Guinea's second outbreak of Ebola, which started last year and claimed 12 lives. In Geneva, the WHO said it considered the threat "high" at the national and regional level, but "low" globally. "We are working with the health authorities to implement a swift response that builds on Guinea’s past experience and expertise in managing Ebola, which is transmitted in a similar way,” Moeti said. The Guinean government confirmed the Marburg case in a statement. Marburg virus is usually associated with exposure to caves or mines housing colonies of Rousettus bats. Once caught by a human, it is spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected people, or with contaminated surfaces and materials, according to the WHO. “We applaud the alertness and the quick investigative action by Guinea’s health workers," Moeti said. The case was detected in a village in a forested region close to the borders of Sierra Leone and Liberia. The man's symptoms date back to July 25, the WHO said. After being initially treated at a local clinic and tested for malaria, the patient died "in the community", the WHO said. Post-mortem samples then tested negative for Ebola, but positive for Marburg. Ten WHO experts, including epidemiologists and socio-anthropologists, are already in the field to support national health authorities. The emergency response includes risk assessment, disease surveillance, community mobilisation and screening, clinical care, infection control and logistical support, WHO said. Cross-border surveillance has also been stepped up so that possible cases can be quickly detected, it said. Three family members of the deceased and a healthcare worker have been identified as high-risk close contacts and are being monitored, while investigations are underway to identify the source of the infection and any other possible contacts, the WHO said. Previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in South Africa, Angola, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But this is the first time the virus has been detected in West Africa. The disease begins suddenly, with a high fever, severe headache and discomfort. Fatality rates have ranged from 24 per cent to 88 per cent in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and case management, the WHO says. Although there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments, oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms improve survival rates, it says.

Guinea confirms first case of Marburg disease carried by bats

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14.

"I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

"In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added:&nbsp;

Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal.

It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding.&nbsp;

It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.&nbsp;

Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease.&nbsp;

Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January. "In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added: Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal. It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk. Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease. Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO officially declares end to second Ebola outbreak in Guinea

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 30 Ebola virus cases and 15 related deaths so far.

The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union, reported a fatality rate of 50 per cent in the two countries.

Official figures reported to the agency showed that the DRC had 12 cases and six deaths while Guinea had 18 cases and nine deaths, the Africa CDC said in a statement issued late Tuesday.

According to the Africa CDC, Guinea and DRC have so far reported eight Ebola virus recoveries, six and two, respectively.

Seven healthcare workers are amongst the confirmed cases, two in DRC and five in Guinea, according to the agency.

The Africa CDC, in its Ebola virus cross-border updates, indicated that between February 15 to March 12, some 18 Ebola virus-related alerts were reported in Sierra Leone.

It, however, stressed that all alerts were investigated and tested negative for the Ebola virus, as it emphasized that there are no confirmed Ebola cases from Sierra Leone so far.

Meanwhile, the agency called on all African countries to enhance their cross-border surveillance efforts by mapping population movements to identify all potential crossing points where there is risk of disease spread.

African countries have been urged to set up screening posts and conduct health screenings for travellers with signs of Ebola, as well as implement public health measures at border crossing points including temperature monitoring, and infection prevention and control measures.

It also called on AU members to continue performing contact tracing and follow up of all probable and confirmed cases, as well as enhance infection prevention and control measures in health care settings, health care workers protection and practice safe and dignified burial.

New outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the two African countries are sending new jitters to Africa as the continent is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola virus outbreak claimed over 11,300 lives, with over 28,600 recorded cases.

Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalized pain or malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 30 Ebola virus cases and 15 related deaths so far.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 30 Ebola virus cases and 15 related deaths so far. The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union, reported a fatality rate of 50 per cent in the two countries. Official figures reported to the agency showed that the DRC had 12 cases and six deaths while Guinea had 18 cases and nine deaths, the Africa CDC said in a statement issued late Tuesday. According to the Africa CDC, Guinea and DRC have so far reported eight Ebola virus recoveries, six and two, respectively. Seven healthcare workers are amongst the confirmed cases, two in DRC and five in Guinea, according to the agency. The Africa CDC, in its Ebola virus cross-border updates, indicated that between February 15 to March 12, some 18 Ebola virus-related alerts were reported in Sierra Leone. It, however, stressed that all alerts were investigated and tested negative for the Ebola virus, as it emphasized that there are no confirmed Ebola cases from Sierra Leone so far. Meanwhile, the agency called on all African countries to enhance their cross-border surveillance efforts by mapping population movements to identify all potential crossing points where there is risk of disease spread. African countries have been urged to set up screening posts and conduct health screenings for travellers with signs of Ebola, as well as implement public health measures at border crossing points including temperature monitoring, and infection prevention and control measures. It also called on AU members to continue performing contact tracing and follow up of all probable and confirmed cases, as well as enhance infection prevention and control measures in health care settings, health care workers protection and practice safe and dignified burial. New outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the two African countries are sending new jitters to Africa as the continent is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola virus outbreak claimed over 11,300 lives, with over 28,600 recorded cases. Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalized pain or malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding.

Ebola infects 30, kills 15 in Guinea, DRC

In a shocking discovery, it has been revealed that Guinea's recent Ebola outbreak has been spread from a man who had survived the deadly virus five years ago.&nbsp;

Scientists have concluded that the Guinea outbreak has definitely been spread from someone who survived the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-toll-hits-four-in-dr-congo-365261" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-toll-hits-four-in-dr-congo-365261&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPy9adn7fvAhVMxjgGHc4KBoQQFjADegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29VPcBboiwBrLGFembllUS" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-toll-hits-four-in-dr-congo-365261" target="_blank">Ebola&nbsp;toll hits four in DR Congo</a>

The man who had survived the Ebola virus five years ago had transmitted the virus via semen to a sex partner, reports claimed.

This has been decoded through genetic sequencing of virus samples taken from patients of the current Ebola outbreak. Being described as a 'stunner', this virus is known to usually last for 500 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-an-ebola-outbreak-in-africa-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic-364391">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-an-ebola-outbreak-in-africa-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic-364391/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Ebolaviruses aren’t herpesviruses (which are known to cause long-lasting infections) and generally RNA viruses don’t just hang around not replicating at all," Virologist Angela Rasmussen of Georgetown University told Science magazine.

Three independent groups are studying samples of four people who have been infected by the Ebola virus in Guinea found out that the genetic makeup of these samples is not very different from the ones of the previous strain that was seen in 2014-2016 outbreak of the virus in West Africa.

The genome analysis has also proved that the virus has not been transmitted from animals to humans, but has moved from humans to humans through semen.

It also revealed that the virus can remain in human body for extended periods in "immune privileged" parts of the body such as spinal cord, brain and eyes.

In a shocking discovery, it has been revealed that Guinea's recent Ebola outbreak has been spread from a man who had survived the deadly virus five years ago. Scientists have concluded that the Guinea outbreak has definitely been spread from someone who survived the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa.

In a shocking discovery, it has been revealed that Guinea's recent Ebola outbreak has been spread from a man who had survived the deadly virus five years ago. Scientists have concluded that the Guinea outbreak has definitely been spread from someone who survived the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa. Also read | Ebola toll hits four in DR Congo The man who had survived the Ebola virus five years ago had transmitted the virus via semen to a sex partner, reports claimed. This has been decoded through genetic sequencing of virus samples taken from patients of the current Ebola outbreak. Being described as a 'stunner', this virus is known to usually last for 500 days. Watch | "Ebolaviruses aren’t herpesviruses (which are known to cause long-lasting infections) and generally RNA viruses don’t just hang around not replicating at all," Virologist Angela Rasmussen of Georgetown University told Science magazine. Three independent groups are studying samples of four people who have been infected by the Ebola virus in Guinea found out that the genetic makeup of these samples is not very different from the ones of the previous strain that was seen in 2014-2016 outbreak of the virus in West Africa. The genome analysis has also proved that the virus has not been transmitted from animals to humans, but has moved from humans to humans through semen. It also revealed that the virus can remain in human body for extended periods in "immune privileged" parts of the body such as spinal cord, brain and eyes.

Man who survived Ebola five years ago may have transmitted it through semen in Guinea

Four people have died from Ebola in the latest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say people have been resisting measures to contain the disease, and hence, the number has increased.

Since the epidemic's resurgence this month, DR Congo has registered six Ebola cases. Of these, four people have lost their lives.

The Ebola virus is transmitted to people through infected animals. Human transmission is through bodily fluids with the main symptoms being fevers, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.

One person died Friday and another on Saturday, while the two others died at the beginning of the month. Two patients are receiving care at an Ebola treatment centre in Katwa.

Officials have complained that the region's residents were not taking the new outbreak seriously enough.

As in past outbreaks, the population of the region refuses to believe in the existence of the Ebola disease and rejects measures aimed at checking the virus' spread, such as avoiding touching sick people or not washing the dead who are infected.

The tenth epidemic, which was declared on August 1 2018, was only eradicated on June 25 last year because of unrest caused by armed groups and the population's resistance to anti-Ebola measures.

With more than 2,200 deaths recorded, it is considered the most serious in the history of Ebola in the DRC since its appearance in 1976.

Ebola has also resurfaced in Guinea, where it has already killed five people.

Four people have died from Ebola in the latest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say people have been resisting measures to contain the disease, and hence, the number has increased.

Four people have died from Ebola in the latest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say people have been resisting measures to contain the disease, and hence, the number has increased. Since the epidemic's resurgence this month, DR Congo has registered six Ebola cases. Of these, four people have lost their lives. The Ebola virus is transmitted to people through infected animals. Human transmission is through bodily fluids with the main symptoms being fevers, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea. One person died Friday and another on Saturday, while the two others died at the beginning of the month. Two patients are receiving care at an Ebola treatment centre in Katwa. Officials have complained that the region's residents were not taking the new outbreak seriously enough. As in past outbreaks, the population of the region refuses to believe in the existence of the Ebola disease and rejects measures aimed at checking the virus' spread, such as avoiding touching sick people or not washing the dead who are infected. The tenth epidemic, which was declared on August 1 2018, was only eradicated on June 25 last year because of unrest caused by armed groups and the population's resistance to anti-Ebola measures. With more than 2,200 deaths recorded, it is considered the most serious in the history of Ebola in the DRC since its appearance in 1976. Ebola has also resurfaced in Guinea, where it has already killed five people.

Ebola toll hits four in DR Congo

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