Security concerns prompt relocation of UN-led team helping to fight Ebola outbreak
The international team helping to contain the latest outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa has temporarily relocated because of security concerns near the border between Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), which leads the effort, said today.
The international team helping to contain the latest outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa has temporarily relocated because of security concerns near the border between Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), which leads the effort, said today.
According to WHO, the team has moved inland to Makokou because of insecurity in the Mekambo area, but is reviewing the current situation with provincial and national authorities. It plans to return to Mekambo as soon as possible to continue efforts to contain the outbreak with local authorities.
As of 7 January, 34 confirmed cases have been reported, including 18 deaths in Gabon and 7 in Congo, WHO said in its latest update. There are an additional 16 suspected cases in Gabon. Overall, 231 contacts with the Ebola haemorrhagic fever virus have been identified, with 197 in Gabon and 34 in Congo.