The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern. ” This outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo virus, presents risks to neighboring countries. The WHO reported 80 suspected deaths, eight confirmed cases, and 246 possible cases in the DRC’s Ituri province across three health zones.
The DRC health ministry noted that there could be a larger outbreak due to the high positivity rate and rising suspected cases. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in a country where the virus was first discovered in 1976. The situation is especially concerning because there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for the Bundibugyo virus.
The outbreak has already spread internationally, with confirmed cases in Uganda, including two unrelated cases in Kampala from individuals who traveled from the DRC. The WHO has advised countries to implement emergency measures, including cross-border screening and restricting travel. It recommends isolating confirmed cases and monitoring contacts closely while allowing no international travel for 21 days post-exposure. The WHO warned against closing borders, as this may lead to unmonitored crossings. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
With information from Reuters
