Rare Ebola Strain Sparks Global Health Emergency; Six Americans Exposed in Africa

Health officials warn of fast-moving outbreak with no approved treatment or vaccine

A rare and deadly strain of Ebola has prompted officials to declare a Global Health Emergency, with at least six Americans in Africa confirmed to have been exposed to the virus, according to health authorities.

The outbreak, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has now spread to neighboring Uganda. Medics on the front lines are racing to contain the Bundibugyo strain—a rare form of Ebola that has no approved treatment or vaccine. This marks only the third known outbreak of this particular strain, which carries a fatality rate that can reach up to 50 percent.

Among the six exposed Americans, one is already showing symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control is currently working to support those affected.

“The risk to Americans right now is very low,” one health official stated. “Ebola is not something that spreads through the air. You have to have direct contact with somebody’s bodily fluids. But at the same time, if we allow this to spread uncontained, that does start to pose risks.”

The outbreak has hit one of the world’s poorest regions, where many lack access to basic healthcare. “These are really hard to reach areas,” a spokesperson explained. “Mining towns on borders, really vulnerable communities.”

Since Friday, the number of suspected deaths has more than doubled to over 80, with hundreds more cases suspected. Global health experts are warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to USAID and withdrawal from the World Health Organization could worsen the response effort.