World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern following the rapid spread of the virus across the two countries.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to WHO, the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The organisation said at least 246 suspected cases and about 80 suspected deaths have been recorded, mostly in Congo’s Ituri province.
WHO said two confirmed cases were also detected in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, after the infected individuals travelled from Congo. Health authorities added that several healthcare workers have died, raising concerns over transmission in medical facilities.
In its official statement, the WHO said the situation constitutes an extraordinary event because of the cross-border spread, the high fatality risk, and the absence of approved vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain. The agency, however, noted that the outbreak has not yet met the criteria to be classified as a pandemic emergency.
Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials. WHO has urged neighbouring countries to strengthen border surveillance, emergency response systems, and contact tracing measures while advising against border closures.
