Ebola outbreak worries WHO over 'scale and speed': What to know

The Ebola disease, which the World Health Organization calls a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates, has claimed 130 lives as of May 19, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.The WHO chief on Tuesday expressed concern over the speed and scale of the outbreak as the number of infections continues to rise.As reported by Reuters, there are currently at least 500 suspected Ebola cases linked to the outbreak.Declaring it a “public health emergency” in a social media post on Sunday, Tedros said the outbreak does not yet meet the criteria for a global pandemic emergency, but warned that neighbouring countries remain at high risk of further spread.What is causing the outbreak and how does the virus spread?According to health authorities, the current outbreak has been caused by Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare strain of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.The WHO says the virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected wild animals such as fruit bats, porcupines, and non-human primates.Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or organs of infected individuals, as well as through contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing.Also read: Ebola virus outbreak: American doctor infected while treating patients at Congo hospitalWHO issues advisory for affected countriesThe WHO has advised affected countries to activate national emergency response systems and establish emergency operation centres to tackle the outbreak effectively.The agency also urged governments to ensure sustained community engagement through local leaders, religious figures, and traditional healers.According to the WHO, awareness campaigns and community participation should be strengthened to help identify and address cultural practices that may contribute to the spread of the virus.Also read: Ebola outbreak now a global health emergency: Is India at risk?