Risk of Ebola spread is high locally but low globally, WHO says

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday the risk of global spread of the Ebola virus in Congo and Uganda is high at national and regional levels, but low at the global level.

The risk assessment came as the leader of the WHO team in Congo said the outbreak, which has led to 134 suspected deaths, could last at least another two months as aid efforts intensified on to stem the spread.

WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, requiring a coordinated response. On Tuesday it expressed concern over the “scale and speed” of the outbreak.

Worried residents have reported rising prices for face masks and disinfectants following the outbreak of the rare type of Ebola, known as the Bundibugyo virus, which spread undetected for weeks following the first known death as authorities tested for a more common type of came up negative,