The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following the spread of the virus into neighbouring Uganda.
The outbreak, centred in eastern DR Congo’s Ituri Province, has recorded about 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths so far. Health authorities say the situation could escalate further due to insecurity, population movement and weak healthcare systems in affected areas.
According to the WHO, the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus — a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments.
Laboratory-confirmed cases have been detected in several locations, including Bunia, Mongwalu and Rwampara in Ituri Province. Authorities also confirmed a case in the capital, Kinshasa, involving a traveller from the outbreak zone.
Uganda has also reported two confirmed cases. One of the victims, a 59-year-old Congolese man, died after crossing into the country, Ugandan officials said.
The WHO warned that the humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly around rebel-controlled territories, are increasing the risk of wider regional transmission.
Health experts say Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit and sweat. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal or external bleeding.
The agency advised DR Congo and Uganda to strengthen emergency response systems, improve surveillance and ensure infected persons are isolated immediately to limit transmission.
Despite the outbreak, the WHO said countries should avoid border closures or trade restrictions, insisting such measures are not backed by science.
Rwanda has already announced tighter health screening measures along its border with DR Congo as a precaution.
This marks DR Congo’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in the country in 1976. The deadliest outbreak occurred between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died.
Comments
Add a comment