This particular strain of Ebola currently lacks an approved vaccine or treatment, with the WHO also assessing the risk as ‘high’ regionally and ‘low’ globally.
The DRC has reported 82 confirmed cases and 7 confirmed deaths, alongside nearly 750 suspected cases, while Uganda has seen two cases linked to travel from the DRC, one of which was fatal.
An experimental oral COVID antiviral drug, Obeldesivir, is being considered for use among Ebola contacts to prevent disease development, though under strict protocols.
Britain has pledged up to £20 million to support international efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
