While the use of the Merck experimental vaccine is highly encouraging for a quick arrest of this second outbreak in the DRC in 2018 alone, we must be mindful that this could easily hop continents.
As a world health concern, we need to be ready — the latest from WHO:
. . . .Since our last situation report on 7 August 2018 (External Situation Report 1), 14 additional confirmed EVD cases and seven deaths have been reported. As of 12 August 2018, a total of 57 EVD cases, including 41 deaths have been reported.
Of the 57 cases, 30 have been laboratory confirmed and 27 remain probable. Of the 41 deaths, 14 occurred in confirmed cases. Eight healthcare workers (7 confirmed, 1 probable) have been affected, of which one has died. Six health zones in two provinces have reported confirmed and probable EVD cases, including Beni, Butembo, Oicha, Mabalako, and Musienene in North-Kivu Province, and Mandima in Ituri Province (Figure 1). An additional 58 suspected cases are currently pending laboratory testing to confirm or exclude EVD.
As of 11 August, a total of 990 contacts are under surveillance in Mabalako (790), Beni (141) and Mandima (59) health zones. Of these, 129 are healthcare workers in Mabalako (72) and Beni (57) health zones. On 11 August 2018, 940 (95%) contacts were successfully followed up. . . .
Be excellent to one another — as we are all we’ve got. I’m in court, rest of day.
नमस्ते
New Merck, Reviewed 
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