​New threat from the deadly disease

An emergency appeal has been launched by a Scottish aid charity following the new outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) is appealing to the public to help it fight the deadly disease in the region after the situation was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

The virus has already claimed 1,600 lives making it the second-worst outbreak in history.

Donations from the appeal will support efforts to contain the spread of the disease and provide help to those affected.

SCIAF’s chief executive Alistair Dutton said: “The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is getting worse as the virus spreads and new cases are reported. People are suffering and we must do all we can to help.

“As part of Caritas, the global confederation of Catholic charities, Caritas Congo is already working with local dioceses, parishes, religious congregations, clinics and schools to try to contain the virus and support those most in need.

“We need your help to allow those efforts to continue.”

Ebola is a severe acute viral illness. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases, internal and external bleeding. It is spread between humans via bodily fluids and via surfaces a sick person has been in contact with like towels or bed linen.

The outbreak is currently concentrated in the east of DR Congo, which has been plagued by decades of violence and civil unrest.

While a vaccination programme is in place, ongoing violence and a widespread distrust of healthcare workers is making it much harder to provide treatment and contain the outbreak. Dozens of treatment centres have been attacked, leaving seven health workers dead and many more injured.