The ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is the second largest in history, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Director Jean Kaseya stated at an online briefing that over 200 suspected cases were reported when the outbreak was declared.
Rapid response is critical as there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Kaseya noted that approximately $319 million is needed for prevention and response measures.
The epidemic was declared on May 15. The strain, Ebola-Bundibugyo, was first detected in Uganda in 2007, with a fatality rate of 30-50%. So far, nearly 745 infections and 178 deaths have been recorded, with 85 laboratory-confirmed cases and 9 deaths.
