Fikadu G. Tafesse

The #Ebola situation in the #DRC is deeply worrisome. So far, 82 cases have been confirmed, with seven confirmed deaths. But we know the epidemic in the DRC is much larger. There are now almost 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. The situation in #Uganda is currently stable, with two confirmed cases, and one death reported. There have been no new cases or deaths reported. An American national who was working in DRC has also been confirmed positive, and transferred to Germany for care. We are aware of the reports today about another American national who is a high-risk contact who has been transferred to the Czech Republic. These numbers are changing as surveillance efforts and laboratory testing is improving, but violence and insecurity are impeding the response. Additional @WHO personnel have deployed to Ituri, the epicentre of the DRC outbreak, to support affected communities. I am in regular contact with the government officials of the affected countries to coordinate response actions. I have just convened a Member States briefing to update them on the ongoing response.