DRC Ebola outbreak could have begun as early as January, WHO chief says
The WHO chief suggests the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC may have started as early as January, complicating containment efforts. He urged nations to lift travel restrictions that are hindering the delivery of medical supplies and the overall response.
Why it matters
Delayed identification of infectious disease outbreaks significantly increases the risk of regional spread and complicates international public health interventions.
Doctors monitor a patient at an Ebola treatment centre run by Médecins Sans Frontières in Munigi, eastern DRC. Photograph: Jospin Mwisha/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Doctors monitor a patient at an Ebola treatment centre run by Médecins Sans Frontières in Munigi, eastern DRC. Photograph: Jospin Mwisha/AFP/Getty Images Global development DRC Ebola outbreak could have begun as early as January, WHO chief says Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the virus ‘had a big head start’ but that the response was catching up
The report relies on statements from the WHO and provides a balanced view of the challenges faced by health officials.
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