WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a Global Health Emergency
Maryam Tariq
Hundreds of Suspected Cases Reported
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern” after more than 300 suspected cases and nearly 90 deaths were reported.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said neighbouring countries face a high risk of further spread, although the outbreak does not currently meet the threshold for a pandemic declaration.
Most infections have been recorded in eastern DR Congo, while Uganda has confirmed imported cases linked to travellers arriving from the DRC.
Rare Ebola Strain Raises Concern
Health officials confirmed the outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare strain of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
Although the DRC and Uganda have experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, this is only the third recorded outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain.
Experts warn the true scale of infections may be much larger due to rising positivity rates and increasing suspected cases.
WHO Urges Emergency Measures
The WHO has advised neighbouring countries to strengthen emergency response systems, activate cross-border screenings, and isolate confirmed cases immediately.
Authorities have discouraged border closures, warning they may lead to uncontrolled crossings that could worsen the spread of the virus.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe internal bleeding.
Sources: Al Jazeera / Reuters / Associated Press / World Health Organization (WHO)
