WHO and Africa CDC Urge Action to Meet the Challenge and Stop Ebola

One hundred days into the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, international health officials say the epidemic can still be contained—but only if the global community responds with sustained determination. Understanding of Ebola transmission has advanced since the 2014-2016 West African outbreak, which caused about 12,000 deaths and prompted the Obama administration and other governments to cut ties with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, leaving local authorities without essential protective supplies for health workers. The current outbreak involves a new strain, Bundibugyo, and has so far not led to border closures. Instead, the biggest challenge is a lack of international interest and support—a failure that threatens local communities and carries wider global health risks. Ebola does not spread without close contact with a clearly ill person, unlike diseases such as Hantavirus or measles, but the heads of international organizations warn that controlling transmission will require firm and sustained action from the world community.