1st UN worker contracts Ebola in Congo: 4 things to know

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry on Oct. 12 confirmed the first case of a United Nations employee contracting Ebola in the country’s ongoing outbreak, reports Reuters.

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Here are four things to know:

1. A U.N. employee working as a plumber in the city of Beni tested positive for the virus and is now receiving treatment, according to Leila Zerrougui, head of Congo’s U.N. peacekeeping mission.

2. Congolese health officials said the employee likely contracted the virus at a health center where an Ebola patient sought treatment through a traditional healer.

3. Health officials planned to vaccinate the plumber’s colleagues Oct. 13. The workers were also placed on a 21-day paid leave, as Ebola virus can incubate for up to three weeks.

4. The outbreak has caused 130 deaths and 205 confirmed or probable cases since July. Dr. Peter Salama, WHO deputy director-general of emergency preparedness and response, on Oct. 11 said the outbreak will likely last another three to four months.

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