Bundibugyo Ebola in Nigeria: Africa CDC calls for international aid
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Gabonews
Africa CDC says a first case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain has been confirmed in Nigeria and that its director-general spoke on 20 October with Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate. The agency is seeking international financial and logistical support as an outbreak affects several African countries, according to Gabonews.
Africa CDC is calling for international financial and logistical support after the confirmation of a first Ebola case of the Bundibugyo strain in Nigeria, Gabonews reports. The agency’s director-general, whose name is given as Alfredo RDC in the report, said he had spoken on 20 October with Nigerian Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate.
Declared on 15 May, the outbreak is now the most geographically widespread ever recorded for this strain, according to Gabonews. It affects several countries in three African regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. The case fatality rate is close to 50% in the DRC, the outlet reports.
Africa CDC says it has stepped up its field operations, while maintaining that the continent’s efforts will not be enough without external assistance. The appeal comes alongside World Health Organization support measures for Nigeria following detection of the first case, announced on 21 October.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
