Latest Ebola News: Six confirmed cases of Ebola emerge in Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC's) Health Minister Felix Kabange Numbi Wednesday confirmed a total of six cases of the Ebola virus disease.

Until now, a total of 42 cases of Ebola have been reported, and the death toll stands at 13, which includes five healthc are workers. There six cases have been confirmed in a laboratory test, Kabange told Xinhua. Additionally, eleven people are in isolation, six new samples were done outside of the eight already analysed. At least 168 people who were came in contact with the infected are identified and have been put under survillance, the minister said.

What is Ebola?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.

How is it transmitted? What are its causes?

According to scientists there are five different types of the virus, all of which have the potential to infect humans. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation) this disease can be transmitted from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In humans the disease can be transmitted by the following methods:

• Coming into contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Healthcare workers may contract the disease through transmission as well through contact with infected bodily fluids.
• Handling the meat from infected animals.
• Contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person who has passed away.

Take this 60-second Ebola quiz and save your life!

Also read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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