WHO Announces Recovery of Five Ebola Patients Worldwide

World Health Organization Announces Recovery of Ebola Patients in Democratic Republic of Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that five individuals infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola have recovered from the disease. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced this development while opening a new Ebola treatment center in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to official figures, more than 220 people are suspected to have died from the outbreak, which was declared two weeks ago. The WHO has also reported almost 1,000 suspected cases. This is the DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak.

The Bundibugyo strain is known for its high mortality rate, with up to 50% of those infected expected to die. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has described the situation as “deeply alarming”, citing concerns over the rapid spread of the epidemic. MSF’s deputy director of operations, Alan Gonzalez, stated that this strain of Ebola is difficult to diagnose due to limited testing capacity.

The WHO and MSF have been working together to respond to the outbreak. The organization has established a new treatment center in Bunia to provide medical care to those affected. Four patients are expected to be discharged from hospital today, with another patient having already returned home on Friday.

Source: Al Jazeera