UMVA has learned that a rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in Central Africa has prompted the World Health Organization to declare an international public health emergency, sparking fears that the deadly virus could spread beyond the region and into the United States.
The outbreak, centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been linked to dozens of suspected deaths, with 11 confirmed and 336 suspected cases reported as of May 18, including 88 deaths. The situation is considered rapidly evolving, with case counts subject to change.
Ebola is a rare but life-threatening zoonotic viral disease that typically develops in areas of Africa, starting in species like antelope, fruit bats, and nonhuman primates. There are four different Ebola strains, and the Bundibugyo virus is the strain detected in the current outbreak.
U.S. officials are warning Americans not to visit the affected area, and the State Department has escalated its travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 4. One American tested positive for Ebola on May 17 while working in Congo and is being transported to Germany for treatment.
While no cases have been detected in the U.S., experts warn that there is a possibility the virus could make its way into American territory, posing a threat to public health. The virus has a two- to 21-day incubation period, during which an infected person can show no symptoms and the infection cannot be detected by tests.
Dr. Jacob Glanville, a leading immunologist, notes that while the outbreak is growing rapidly, the chance of an infected traveler having come to the U.S. remains low. However, he cautions that some travel restrictions have been put in place to limit the risk, and it is possible that an infected traveler had come to the U.S. in the past 21 days from the affected areas.
Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, agrees that the threat to American communities remains low, citing the fact that the virus is transmitted only person-to-person via infected blood and body fluids from symptomatic people.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or remains of infected people or animals, and starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting/diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Treatments are available, along with a vaccine that can help protect high-risk individuals and prevent further spread.
Healthcare professionals recommend avoiding contact with blood, body fluids, and sick or deceased people and animals as a highly effective way to prevent Ebola transmission. If contact is required, high-quality personal protective equipment is recommended.
