'No need' for South Africans to panic over Ebola outbreak
South African health experts say the risk of Ebola spreading locally remains low despite rising cases in the DRC and Uganda, as the WHO warns the outbreak could become a prolonged international health emergency.
A Stellenbosch University infectious disease specialist says the risk of Ebola spreading to the general public in South Africa remains very low despite the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.
The health expert has reassured the public that the risk of Ebola spreading in the country remains low, and there is no need for South Africans to panic.
WHO declares health emergency
The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak an international health emergency after more than 130 deaths and over 500 suspected cases were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Several cases have also been recorded in Uganda.
Professor Jantjie Taljard is an infectious disease specialist from Stellenbosch University.
He says Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluids.
"You need to really be close to somebody to be infected by that person and develop Ebola. That can only really happen when you take care of somebody that has the disease, either in their household or then in the healthcare environment.
“Those are the majority of people who get infected with Ebola, who are taking care of either their loved ones or in hospital environments.
“So, there are a couple of healthcare workers who are already infected, and I think there's one healthcare worker who's already died.”
Experts preparing for long fight against Ebola
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation says it is deeply concerned about the “scale and speed” of the outbreak, warning that it could continue for a lengthy period.
Health officials say the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, although a vaccine candidate is under consideration.
Aid organisations in the DRC have also reported hospitals in affected areas becoming overwhelmed by suspected Ebola patients.
The outbreak is centred in the conflict-hit eastern DRC, where ongoing violence and cross-border movement have complicated response efforts. Cases have already spread into neighbouring Uganda, while some countries have introduced travel screening and restrictions linked to the outbreak.
The DRC’s deadliest Ebola outbreak, between 2018 and 2020, claimed more than 2 000 lives.
*AFP contributed to this report
