Advertisement

WHO: Congo Ebola not a global health emergency

By Susan McFarland
Despite new cases of Ebola reported in a Congo city of 1.2 million, the World Health Organization on Friday said the crisis being labeled an international health emergency is not warranted. Photo by Ahmed Jallanzo/EPA
Despite new cases of Ebola reported in a Congo city of 1.2 million, the World Health Organization on Friday said the crisis being labeled an international health emergency is not warranted. Photo by Ahmed Jallanzo/EPA

May 19 (UPI) -- Two more cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo city of Mbandaka, bringing the total to three.

Despite more breakouts, The World Health Organization on Friday said the crisis being labeled an international health emergency is not warranted.

Advertisement

The new cases of Ebola in the Congo take the number of suspected infections to 43, according to the health minister. Outbreaks were previously reported in remote areas.

Friday's meeting was called because Mbandaka is a sprawling city of 1.2 million people, and also because the city sits on the banks of the Congo River and is a major trade thoroughfare.

Nine neighboring countries, including Congo-Brazzaville and Central African Republic, have been advised they are at high risk of spread for the disease, according to a WHO statement.

Officials in the meeting concluded because the response government and health officials has been rapid and comprehensive, conditions were not met for an international health emergency.

"Interventions underway provide strong reason to believe that the outbreak can be brought under control," according to the statement,

Advertisement

To reinforce health services, the country is receiving international aid and on Sunday, vaccinations will begin.

Latest Headlines