The World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, warns that the Ebola outbreak should not be underestimated, stressing that even a single case could lead to wider spread beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Speaking in an interview at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Janabi says the concern is heightened by the virus strain involved, Bundibugyo, for which no vaccine is currently available. He calls on governments and partners to work together to bring transmission under control.
Janabi also notes that the Ebola outbreak has received relatively limited global attention compared with other recent public health events, referencing a separate hantavirus outbreak reported to have affected cruise ship passengers from 23 countries, including major powers. Multiple outlets report that Janabi’s message is aimed at encouraging sustained international focus and appropriate preparedness measures.
Overall reporting describes ongoing efforts to manage the outbreak through increased testing and community engagement, while acknowledging challenges associated with detection, response coordination, and the absence of a vaccine for the relevant Ebola strain.
