Experts fear that the latest outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus has crossed the Atlantic and reached Brazil, raising concerns about the lack of medical aid. Brazilian health authorities are investigating two suspected cases in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, thousands of miles from the outbreak's epicentre in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Outbreak Spreads Rapidly
The DRC has reported over 1,000 suspected cases, with at least 246 deaths. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders described the rapid spread as "deeply alarming." The worst-hit region is Ituri state, bordering Uganda and South Sudan. Neighbouring countries have closed their borders despite the World Health Organization (WHO) urging them not to.
Suspected Cases in Brazil
In Sao Paulo, a 37-year-old man from the DRC showed symptoms meeting the definition of a suspected case and has been isolated. In Rio de Janeiro, a man from Uganda prompted emergency measures after displaying viral symptoms. Officials are awaiting test results.
Aid Struggles to Keep Up
Doctors Without Borders warned: "Never before has an Ebola outbreak recorded so many cases so soon after its declaration." Deputy Director Dr Alan Gonzales added: "The reality today is that nobody knows the true scale and severity of this outbreak. New suspected cases are being reported daily, yet hundreds of samples remain untested."
Deadly Strain with No Vaccine
This outbreak is the 17th in the DRC but is particularly concerning because it involves the rare Bundibugyo species, which has no approved vaccine. The first death occurred on April 24 in Bunia, but confirmation took weeks. The body was repatriated to a mining area, causing the outbreak to escalate, according to Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba.
UK Scientists Develop New Vaccine
Last week, scientists at Oxford University announced they are developing a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, with clinical trials possible within two to three months.
WHO Warning on Funerals
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Ituri and warned against unsafe funeral practices: "Certain practices including touching of bodies of those who have died from Ebola can spread the virus further. While we grieve for those we've lost, we must do everything we can so that we don't lose another."
