The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern after at least 80 deaths were linked to the virus.
According to the UN health agency, the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola and poses a serious regional threat due to the risk of cross-border transmission, although it has not yet been classified as a pandemic-level emergency.
The WHO reported that Ituri province in eastern DRC had recorded 80 suspected deaths, eight confirmed infections, and 246 suspected cases as of Saturday. The outbreak has spread across the Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu health zones, while one confirmed case was also detected in the eastern city of Goma.
Describing the situation as “extraordinary,” the WHO warned that there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically developed for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Health officials fear the outbreak may be larger than initially estimated because of the rising number of suspected cases and the high positivity rate from tested samples.
In neighbouring Uganda, authorities confirmed two Ebola infections in Kampala, including one death, involving travellers who arrived from the DRC.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has increased monitoring efforts following reports that several Americans working in the DRC may have been exposed to the virus. Reports indicated that at least six Americans were potentially exposed, with three considered high-risk cases.
The CDC said it had activated its emergency response centre and would send additional personnel to both the DRC and Uganda to support containment efforts.
The WHO has urged countries bordering the DRC to tighten health screening measures at border points and along major transport routes to curb further spread. It also advised immediate isolation of confirmed patients and daily monitoring of people who had contact with infected individuals.
However, the agency cautioned against border closures or trade restrictions, warning that such measures could encourage unofficial and unmonitored crossings.
Ebola, first identified in the DRC in 1976, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials and can trigger symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe internal complications.
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