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Americans exposed to Ebola during DR Congo outbreak as the US races to evacuate its citizens from the danger zone
At least six Americans have been exposed to the Ebola virus inside the Democratic Republic of Congo. One is already showing symptoms. Three others are believed to have had high-risk contact or exposure. It is still unclear whether any have been infected. But the US government is moving fast to get them out.
The Outbreak has already been declared an international emergency. Around 350 suspected cases. 91 deaths. The strain is the Bundibugyo Virus. There are no approved drugs. No vaccines. The virus has already crossed into Uganda. Two cases there. One dead. The threat is spreading and Americans are now directly in its path.
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Americans exposed to Ebola during DR Congo outbreak as the CDC stays silent on details and a Level Four travel warning kicks in
The CDC confirmed it is supporting the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans who are directly affected. It refused to say how many. It declined to answer direct questions during a Sunday press conference. A source told health news outlet STAT that the group could be taken to a US military base in Germany. That has not been confirmed.
The United States has issued a Level Four travel advisory. That is the highest level. Do not travel to DR Congo. The warning is blunt. The situation on the ground is dangerous and unpredictable.
The World Health Organization has called this a public health emergency of international concern. It warned the true scale of the outbreak may be far larger than what is currently being reported. The risk of local and regional spread is significant. The memory of 2014 hangs over everything. Over 28,600 people were infected in the West Africa outbreak. More than 11,000 died. The virus reached the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy. It did not stay contained then. The fear is it will not stay contained now.
Africa CDC director general Jean Kaseya warned that without vaccines or effective medicines, people must follow public health measures closely. Funerals are a particular danger. Community burials where bodies are washed and touched helped fuel the early spread during the last major outbreak. That lesson was learned in blood.
The WHO has told DR Congo and Uganda to begin cross-border screenings immediately. Nearby countries have been urged to enhance surveillance at health facilities and in communities. Rwanda is tightening its border checks as a precaution. Nigeria says it is monitoring the situation closely. The virus does not respect borders. And right now, it has a head start.
