Health officials are warning that the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak could become one of the largest in recent history.
Ebola cases have surged to 471 across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, raising concerns about the scale and speed of the outbreak.
According to the World Health Organization, 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has reported 19 cases and two deaths. The figures represent an increase of 100 cases and 20 deaths within 24 hours.
The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no vaccines or treatments. The WHO has already declared the crisis a public health emergency of international concern.
Health authorities believe the virus was spreading undetected before the outbreak was officially declared in DR Congo on May 15. In response, the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have launched a $518 million emergency response plan to strengthen surveillance, testing and containment efforts.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the outbreak is spreading quickly. He further urged countries in the region to act swiftly to prevent further transmission.
As Ebola cases continue to rise, health officials are racing to contain the outbreak.
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