A mutation of the Ebola virus, reported in North-Kivu and Ituri in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has infected more than 2,700 people and caused 1,843 deaths to date. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency in June. In an interview with DW, Dr. Peter Piot, Director of Research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Scientists are concerned that the mutation, known as Kivu Ebola, may evolve into a still more deadly virus. While an experimental vaccine for Ebola exists, WHO has not raised sufficient funds to give it to everyone who needs it.
A mutation of the Ebola virus, reported in North-Kivu and Ituri in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has infected more than 2,700 people and caused 1,843 deaths to date. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency in June. In many cases the person from whom the virus was transmitted has not been identified. Scientists are concerned that the mutation, known as Kivu Ebola, may evolve into a still more deadly virus. While an experimental vaccine for Ebola exists, WHO has not raised sufficient funds to give it to everyone who needs it.