Alarm as Ebola spreads into new areas of DR Congo

The Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has spread to new areas of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including a crowded displacement camp, raising fears of a more dangerous phase. Since its declaration on May 15, 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths have been recorded in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. WHO warns of local transmission in new areas and says isolation bed capacity is insufficient. No approved vaccines or treatments exist for this strain.