Why in the News?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing its largest Ebola outbreak, with 3,605 cases and 1,587 deaths, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine exists.
What is a PHEIC?
- A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) highest level of global health alert.
- Declared when an outbreak poses a cross-border public health risk and requires international coordination.
Why is the Outbreak Difficult to Control?
- Caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) strain, with no approved vaccine or treatment.
- Ongoing conflict hampers movement of health workers and supplies.
- Weak healthcare infrastructure and community distrust delay detection and isolation.
Response Measures
- Oxford ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine is undergoing clinical trials.
- India has supplied emergency medicines to support relief efforts.
- Surveillance, contact tracing and isolation remain the primary control measures.
Prelims Facts
- Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Ebolaviruses.
- It spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids of humans or animals.
- The Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) is one of the six known Ebola virus species.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
[2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, consider the following:
I. They are man-made proteins.
II. They stimulate the patient’s immune system to fight the specific disease.
III. They are produced using animal cells only.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All the three