The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency over an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The move comes as researchers urge faster development of vaccines for lesser-known Ebola strains.
The WHO was notified of the outbreak on 5 May after a health worker developed symptoms including fever, haemorrhaging, vomiting and malaise on 24 April. Cases have since been confirmed in Uganda as well. As of 17 May there were 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Bundibugyo strain carries a mortality rate of 20 to 50 per cent.
