ISTOCK, DK_PHOTOSThe ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 25 lives as of yesterday (May 29), reports Reuters, taking the total number of cases in the country to 54. This is DRC’s ninth tussle with the hemorrhagic fever since its first appearance in 1976.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is administering ring vaccinations to people who have had suspected contact, either directly or indirectly, with an Ebola patient. This means immunizing and monitoring all the individuals who have had potential contacts with patients, 906 people so far. Of those, more than 360 contacts vaccinated before Monday, reports The New York Times. The operation began in Mbandaka, a city of more than 1 million residents, last week. The rural town of Bikoro is the second site for vaccinations, which began this Monday (May 28).
A number of experimental drugs, including antibodies and antiviral options, are also available, according to Nature. WHO is awaiting the approval of DRC’s Ministry of Health to deploy them and begin trials, reports CNN.
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