Ebola outbreak confirmed by WHO after second person dies from disease

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have confirmed another outbreak of Ebola in Africa just four months after the end of its previous flare-up.

WHO sounded the alarm for another outbreak after a second person has died from the deadly disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Another outbreak marks the 14th breakout of the disease that the country has seen since 1976, with the deadly disease providing a terrifying 25 percent to 90 percent fatality rate in previous records.

It marks Ebola as one of the most deadly diseases, with WHO beginning preparations for a vaccine rollout in the country.

Ebola is transmitted by coming into an infected person's bodily fluids or contaminated items, with symptoms including muscle aches and a fever.

Symptoms can often resemble those found in other common diseases like malaria.

The National Institute of Biomedical Research reported a 31-year-old patient had died on Sunday in the north-western city of Mbandaka, with the man reportedly showing symptoms on April 5 but not seeking treatment until a week later.

A 25-year-old woman has also died of the disease, with WHO confirming on Twitter that at least 145 people "came into contact with the confirmed cases".

• 

  Kim Jong-Un says he is 'prepared' to use North Korea's nuclear arsenal in huge parade

The woman was said to have started experiencing symptoms 12 days prior to her death and investigations have shown she was the sister-in-law of the first deceased case.

It is believed she contracted the disease after coming into close contact with the first patient.

WHO confirmed also that this was the third outbreak in the province since 2018, with the regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti saying: "Time is not on our side.

"The disease has had a two-week head start and we are now playing catch-up."

The health body has said its next steps include a rollout of more vaccinations.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.

Source: Read Full Article