Visualizing the Ebola outbreak in maps and charts
World Health Organization declared this one epidemic The Ebola epidemic in Central Africa is a public health emergency. As the number of suspected cases rises, health authorities are racing to track down contacts.
CNN is tracking historical cases and deaths, as well as the locations of confirmed cases in the outbreak. This page will be updated as more details become available.
While the global risk remains low, WHO has described the outbreak as a matter of “international concern”. United States Issue Travel restrictions for certain travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Historically, nearly all Ebola outbreaks, cases, and deaths have been concentrated in west and central African countries.
The epidemic that emerged over the past decade was the largest and most devastating epidemic in the history of the disease. WHO has warned that, given the pace and increase in deaths, the current outbreak could be on its way to becoming one of larger epidemics.
How is Ebola transmitted?
WHO officials to believe It is stated that the transmission of the current epidemic may have lasted “months” before it was detected. The weak health infrastructure in the rural area where the disease occurs, ethnic conflict in the region and unusual tension The virus prevented the tests. US foreign aid There could also be funding cuts Aid workers told CNN that was a factor.
Once the virus enters a community, it spreads rapidly among people through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Scientists believe that humans The first person to catch Ebola through hunting, processing or eating infected wild animals.
Risks also arise from a local funeral custom that involves mourners touching the deceased, which can lead to infection. Misinformation about the disease and how it spreads can undermine local control efforts.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
CNN’s Lauren Kent and Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.
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