The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has grown serious, with 118 people now dead. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called it an international health emergency. Around 300 people are thought to have been infected in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
Uganda, a neighboring country, reported one death and another possible case linked to the outbreak. More cases are expected as officials increase monitoring. The virus causing the outbreak is the Bundibugyo strain.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said over 390 suspected cases have been recorded. Congo plans to open three Ebola treatment centers in Ituri province. Meanwhile, the WHO is sending experts to help stop the spread. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed cases and deaths in Uganda connected to the outbreak.
Efforts are also underway to prevent the virus from spreading further.