WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a Global health emergency, warns of regional spread risk - DETAILS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting growing worries over its potential spread.

The health agency noted that the outbreak, which is centred in the eastern Ituri province, has so far resulted in approximately 246 suspected cases and around 80 deaths. However, WHO clarified that the situation does not currently qualify as a pandemic-level emergency.

Despite this, officials cautioned that the outbreak may be more widespread than what current data suggests, warning that there is a real possibility of further local and regional transmission if containment efforts are not strengthened.

According to WHO, the circulating strain in this outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments.

Early signs of infection typically include fever, severe fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

The WHO reported that eight cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing, with additional suspected infections and deaths recorded across three health zones. These include Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, as well as the mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara.

Health authorities also confirmed a case in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, involving a patient who is believed to have travelled from the affected region in Ituri.

The outbreak has also crossed borders, with two confirmed cases reported in neighbouring Uganda. Ugandan officials stated that a 59-year-old man who died recently had tested positive for the virus. The government added that the deceased was a Congolese national and that his remains had already been returned to the DRC.

WHO further warned that the ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges in eastern Congo, combined with high population movement, densely populated urban areas, and a large number of informal healthcare facilities, are increasing the risk of wider transmission.

Countries sharing borders with the DRC have been identified as high-risk due to frequent trade and travel across the region.

To control the outbreak, WHO has recommended that both the DRC and Uganda set up emergency response centres focused on surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention. It also stressed that confirmed patients must be isolated immediately and should only be discharged after two negative tests taken at least 48 hours apart.

For neighbouring countries, the agency advised strengthening monitoring systems and improving reporting mechanisms. However, it also cautioned against imposing travel or trade restrictions, saying such measures are not scientifically justified and are often driven by fear rather than evidence.