Ebola Outbreak

The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern.”

The declaration came Sunday after 80 reported deaths, eight lab-confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases were identified as the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved treatment or vaccine. The outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency (maybe you remember COVID-19?), but officials warn the scale could be “much larger” than currently reported.  

Two cases, including one death, have been confirmed in Uganda among travelers from Congo. The WHO’s declaration aims to mobilize other countries to action, as response efforts have been complicated by local conflict, population mobility, and informal health facilities. 

Authorities urged neighboring countries to establish monitoring measures but advised against closing borders, saying such moves are usually “implemented out of fear.”

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PRAY WITH US
God Our Refuge, bring under the shadow of your wings those who have lost loved ones to this disease. Give them the enduring comfort of the good news of forgiveness and eternal life in the face of this terribly bad news of corruption and death. Be a refuge, a fortress, a friend for the sick who have been quarantined, separated from their support systems. Give doctors and public health officials skill for healing, communication, and containment. Bless the work of scientists and biomedical engineers racing to find new methods of protection. And shower the public with steadying grace—healing, protecting, and renewing the world through your Word by the power of your Spirit. 
Amen.