World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, revealing that nearly 500 cases have been confirmed across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the disease. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has been described as one of the largest in recent years and has prompted WHO to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Gatekeepers News reoorts that to the latest WHO data, the DRC has recorded more than 380 confirmed cases and over 60 deaths, while Uganda has reported 19 confirmed infections and two fatalities. Health officials said many of the Ugandan cases are linked to contacts of infected persons from the DRC, highlighting the cross-border nature of the outbreak.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that the outbreak went undetected for several weeks, allowing the virus to spread before emergency measures were put in place. He stressed the need for sustained funding, political commitment and stronger community engagement to halt transmission.
The outbreak has posed unique challenges because the Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health workers are relying on supportive care, rapid case detection, contact tracing and isolation measures to curb infections.
WHO and its partners have launched a six-month response plan valued at about $518 million to support affected countries and strengthen preparedness in neighbouring states.
Public health experts have also expressed concern that insecurity, population movement, weak health infrastructure and misinformation in some affected communities could complicate containment efforts.
Despite these challenges, WHO says recoveries have been recorded and response teams continue to expand treatment facilities and surveillance activities across the region.
Health agencies warn that without strong intervention, the outbreak could grow significantly, underscoring the importance of early detection, community cooperation and international support.
