Ebola outbreak warning – could deadly virus reach the UK? Shock analysis reveals risk
THE EBOLA virus outbreak 2018 has killed 12 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and health officials have urged the public to get vaccinated against the deadly disease. But, latest news reveals Europe could be at risk of the virus spreading from tourists and transport. Is the UK at risk of the Ebola virus?
By MATT ATHERTON
Express.co.uk
Mon, May 28, 2018
The Ebola virus has killed at least 12 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the latest outbreak, it’s been confirmed.
DRC has now confirmed 35 cases of the virus, with an extra 17 suspected cases.
The latest figures came after the virus reached the city of Mbandaka earlier this month.
The city has a population of almost 1.2 million people, and serves as a “transportation hub”.
The virus started near the town of Bikoro in DRC, but where else should be prepared for an Ebola outbreak?
Belgium and France could both be at risk of the Ebola virus, claimed non-profit organisation EcoHealth Alliance.
It used flight data from aeroplanes travelling to and from the three airports nearest to Bikoro – Mbandaka, Kinshasa, and Brazzaville – to reveal the most at-risk cities and countries.
Brussels was the fifth most at-risk city of infection, while Paris was seventh.
Pointe-Noire in neighbouring Republic of Congo had the highest risk of the virus.
Johannesburg and Nairobi also made the top 10 list.
“With approximately half a million passengers travelling from DRC each year, the disease requires just one infected traveller to cause a global public health emergency,” said EcoHealth Alliance’s President, Dr Peter Daszak.
“This helps us be forewarned and prepared.”
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