The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has risen to at least 131, with more than 500 suspected cases reported, according to the country's health ministry. The alarming update comes as US President Donald Trump expressed concern after an American tested positive for the virus.
Outbreak Details
Samuel Roger Kamba, the Congolese minister of public health, announced: '513 suspected cases and 131 deaths have been recorded in the affected areas. These are suspected deaths, and investigations are underway to determine which ones are actually linked to the disease.' The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
President Trump's Response
When asked if he was worried about the Ebola outbreak, Trump stated: 'I'm concerned about everything, but certainly am.' He added: 'I think that it's been confined right now to Africa, but it's something that has had a breakout.'
Virus Details
Health authorities confirm that the outbreak, first identified on Friday, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of Ebola with no approved treatments or vaccines. Although over 20 Ebola outbreaks have occurred in Congo and Uganda, this marks only the third detection of the Bundibugyo strain.
Cases have been confirmed in Bunia, Goma (the rebel-held capital of North Kivu), Mongbwalu, Butembo, and Nyakunde. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern about the scale and speed of the epidemic, stating that the UN health agency will convene its emergency committee to advise on recommendations.
