WHO Warns of Fast-Spreading Ebola Outbreak in Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the second-largest ever recorded. Officials say the disease is spreading rapidly.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that causes fever, bleeding and, in many cases, death. It usually spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people.
A virologist who was among the scientists who first discovered the Ebola virus has also spoken out. He warned that the virus is now moving faster than it did in the past, making it harder to control.
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, has raised an alarm over the number of young victims. According to UNICEF, 743 confirmed cases have been recorded among children, and 330 people have died from the disease so far.
Health authorities are working to trace new cases, treat patients and stop the virus from spreading to new areas. Past Ebola outbreaks in the region have shown that quick action is essential to save lives.
The WHO has not given further details about when the outbreak might slow down, but it has stressed that international support is needed to fight the disease effectively.
Vocabulary10 words
- outbreak
- a sudden start and spread of a disease
- virologist
- a scientist who studies viruses
- alarm
- a strong warning about danger
- confirmed case
- a person officially proven to have the disease
- body fluids
- liquids inside the body, like blood
- infected
- having caught a disease
- trace
- to find and follow something, like contacts of a sick person
- authorities
- people or groups in charge, like the government
- victim
- a person hurt or affected by something bad
- support
- help given to someone
Quiz
Answer key
1. It is the second-largest ever recorded 2. Ebola is spreading faster than before 3. 743 confirmed cases among children and 330 deaths
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the current Ebola _____ in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the second-largest ever recorded. Officials say the disease is spreading _____.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that causes fever, bleeding and, in many cases, death. It usually spreads through direct contact with the blood or body _____ of infected people.
A _____ who was among the scientists who first discovered the Ebola virus has also spoken out. He warned that the virus is now moving faster than it did in the past, making it harder to _____.
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, has raised an _____ over the number of young victims. According to UNICEF, 743 confirmed _____ have been recorded among children, and 330 people have died from the disease so far.
Health _____ are working to trace new cases, treat patients and stop the virus from spreading to new areas.
The WHO has not given further details about when the outbreak might slow down, but it has stressed that international _____ is needed to fight the disease effectively.