The World Health Organization has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as the deadly virus continues to spread across parts of Central Africa.
Health authorities say the outbreak has already resulted in 246 suspected cases and at least 80 suspected deaths, with infections concentrated mainly in DR Congo’s Ituri Province, particularly in the health zones of Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.
According to the WHO, the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is especially concerning because there are no approved vaccines or targeted treatments currently available for this specific strain.
The virus has also crossed borders into Uganda, where officials confirmed two cases in Kampala, including one death, involving people who had recently travelled from the DRC. A confirmed case has also been reported in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, raising fears of wider spread.
Despite the emergency declaration, the WHO said the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a global pandemic, but warned that neighbouring countries remain at high risk of transmission. Authorities are intensifying screening, contact tracing and emergency response efforts to contain the disease.
Ebola is a highly dangerous disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, and symptoms can include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and internal bleeding. Previous outbreaks in the DRC have proven difficult to contain due to conflict and movement across borders.
