Scientists from Stellenbosch University have joined international efforts to help contain the Ebola outbreak spreading across central Africa, where more than 130 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, a global health emergency amid growing concerns over the number of infections and the risk of further spread.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University said there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain, making rapid detection and containment measures essential.
The scientists warned that limited diagnostic tools and ongoing cross-border movement between affected regions could accelerate transmission of the virus.
More than 600 suspected Ebola cases have been recorded so far, while health authorities continue efforts to trace infections and strengthen outbreak response systems.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation’s emergency committee had determined that the outbreak does not yet constitute a pandemic emergency.
“The WHO assessed the risk of the epidemic as high at the national and regional levels and low at the global level,” Ghebreyesus said.
He added that despite the absence of vaccines and treatments, countries could still curb the spread of the virus through public health interventions, including surveillance, isolation of cases and community awareness campaigns.
The WHO estimates it could take up to nine months before a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain becomes available.