WHO declares new Ebola outbreak a global health emergency

Summary

Key Points

• The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency following a surge in Ebola virus cases across Africa. 0:02
• International health agencies are preparing a large-scale response to the Ebola outbreak, which is proving difficult to trace. 0:09
• The latest Ebola cases, totaling at least 336 suspected cases and over 85 suspected deaths since April, were first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 0:22
• These cases are linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which health officials confirm there is no approved vaccine or treatment. 0:27
• The CDC states the risk of Ebola to Americans is low but has not confirmed if any Americans in the affected region are infected. 0:34
• Ebola primarily spreads person-to-person through contact with body fluids and is characterized by a high mortality and transmission rate. 0:45
• Hantavirus continues to be a concern, with a passenger from an infected cruise ship testing positive in Canada. 0:55
• The infected individual and their spouse, who is showing mild symptoms of Hantavirus, are currently in isolation at a Canadian hospital. 1:06
• Health officials in Washington state are investigating six potential Hantavirus exposure cases related to the cruise ship. 1:13
• The remaining crew and staff of the cruise ship will disembark in the Netherlands, after which the vessel is expected to undergo cleaning and disinfection. 1:20