Americans In Congo Reportedly Exposed To Ebola Outbreak—One May Have Symptoms

BySiladitya Ray,

Forbes Staff.

Topline

A group of Americans in the Democratic Republic of Congo may have been exposed to the deadly Ebola outbreak in the country—including one with symptoms—which has triggered a WHO public health emergency declaration, reports said on Monday, as U.S. authorities work on a safe evacuation plan.

Key Facts

Citing unnamed sources, Stat News first reported that a “number of Americans” may have been exposed, including some who purportedly had “high-risk exposures.”

At least one American has developed symptoms, but there are no confirmed test results for any of them, the report added.

The Washington Post confirmed the report, noting that the person with symptoms may require a medical evacuation.

The U.S. nationals were working for a nonprofit in the area where the outbreak took place and the group includes a family with children, the Post’s report added.

Authorities are discussing possible evacuation options to a location where any infected individuals can be quarantined and receive treatment.

What Has The Cdc Said About The Ebola Outbreak?

In a statement issued earlier on Sunday, the CDC said it was “supporting interagency partners who are actively coordinating the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans who are directly affected by this outbreak.” The agency’s statement didn’t mention Americans’ exposure to the virus or any symptomatic individuals. The CDC said that its country offices in the DRC and Uganda have been working with the U.S. government, local health ministries, and international partners to “support response operations, including surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention and control, and other outbreak containment efforts.”

Crucial Quote

The CDC’s statement added: “At this time, the risk to the American public remains low. Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person and does not spread through casual contact or air.”

What Do We Know About The Outbreak?

Over the weekend, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The global health body said at least 80 people have died as a result of the outbreak and there are 246 suspected cases. The epicenter of the outbreak appears to be the DRC’s northeastern Ituri province, and the WHO notes that its “role as a commercial and migratory hub and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan increases the risk of regional exportation and cross-border transmission.”

What Do We Know About The Virus Strain Behind The Ebola Outbreak?

This latest outbreak has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain and according to the WHO past outbreaks involving this strain have had an extremely high case fatality between 30% to 50%. Unlike other strains there is “ no licensed vaccine or specific therapeutics against Bundibugyo virus,” the WHO said while noting that “early supportive care is lifesaving.”

Further Reading

WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak In Africa ‘Extraordinary’ Public Health Emergency (Forbes)

In Ebola outbreak, a number of Americans in the Congo believed to have had exposure to suspected cases (Stat News)

Americans may have been exposed in Congo Ebola outbreak (Washington Post)