WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. More than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths have been reported. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved treatments or vaccines. A laboratory-confirmed case also has been reported in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. The WHO’s emergency declaration aims to prompt international action, but the response to past declarations has been mixed. Conflict and migration in the region complicate containment efforts. The outbreak started in April, but slow detection delayed the response.