Doctor Isolated in Rome After Contact with Ebola

A Doctors Without Borders (MSF) physician who was exposed to Ebola-infected patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been admitted to the Lazzaro Spallanzani hospital in Rome. The woman is not showing any symptoms, but will remain under medical supervision as a precautionary measure until 8 June, according to the Ansa news agency.

The case comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) is warning of a deteriorating situation in Congo and Uganda. The outbreak is caused by a rare strain of the Bundibugyo virus, for which no vaccine yet exists. The WHO has recorded hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of confirmed deaths.

Experts are particularly concerned that the disease is likely to have spread undetected for several weeks in densely populated areas.

According to preliminary data, the mortality rate for confirmed cases is between 30% and 50%. The WHO has stressed, however, that early diagnosis and medical care can significantly improve patients' chances of survival.

(reuters, mja)