More than 7,000 Ebola patients: 'The outbreak is far from over'

The World Health Organization reports a decline in Ebola virus transmission in some outbreak hotspots in Congo, but warns against premature optimism. The outbreak, which has exceeded 7,000 confirmed cases, has spread to seven provinces and become the second deadliest in history. More than 3,000 health workers have been vaccinated, but the vaccine's effectiveness against the current strain is unknown.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a decline in Ebola virus transmission in some outbreak hotspots in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but clarifies that the outbreak is far from over. More than 7,000 confirmed Ebola cases have been reported this month. The outbreak has spread to seven provinces and become the second deadliest ever recorded, after the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa. This is the Bundibugyo strain, different from the Zaire strain for which existing vaccines were developed. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said encouraging signs of progress are visible, but the decline does not indicate containment at the national level. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove warned that improved surveillance may lead to an increase in reported cases. More than 3,000 health workers have been vaccinated with Merck's Ervebo vaccine, but its effectiveness against the current strain is unknown. A clinical trial is planned to test new vaccines, including those from Moderna and the University of Oxford. In Israel, the risk is considered low, but vigilance is required at airports.