Why has the WHO declared a PHEIC over Ebola outbreak?, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• On May 16, the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
• The Ebola outbreak is reportedly driven by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain.
• As of May 16, there were eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in the Ituri Province of the DRC.
• There are currently two approved Ebola vaccines and monoclonal-antibody treatments available.

Detailed Insights:

• A PHEIC is the WHO’s highest level of global health alert, declared when an event is serious, sudden, unusual, and poses a public health risk to other countries.
• Ebola virus disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the Ebola virus, spreading to humans from wild animals and then between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
• The WHO response includes rapid patient isolation, intensive supportive care, case and contact tracing, safe burials, infection control, and deploying vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
• The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak resulted in over 28,600 reported cases and 11,325 deaths, catalyzing research and development into Ebola vaccines.
• Social mobilization campaigns are essential to build trust, reduce stigma, and encourage early care-seeking in affected areas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PHEIC: The WHO’s highest level of alert for a global health event that risks international spread.
• Zoonotic disease: A disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals.
• Monoclonal antibodies: Laboratory-produced molecules that mimic the body's immune system to fight harmful pathogens.