Global alarm as WHO declares Ebola emergency in DR Congo and Uganda amid rising death
The outbreak has been linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as confirmed and suspected cases continue to rise past 300, triggering global concern and emergency response measures.
According to health authorities, the outbreak has resulted in at least 88 suspected deaths, with most cases reported in Congo and a smaller number emerging in neighboring Uganda.
The WHO emphasized that while the situation is serious, the risk of a global pandemic remains “extremely low.”
The outbreak has been linked to a rare strain of the virus, identified as the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids and is known for its high fatality rate, ranging between 30% and 50%. Symptoms include fever, rash, vomiting, and internal bleeding in severe cases.
The WHO warned that significant uncertainties remain regarding the true scale of infections and the geographic spread of the virus, noting that surveillance data may be incomplete as the situation continues to evolve.
In response to the growing outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed it is assisting with the safe evacuation of a small number of Americans from the region.
Officials said some individuals may have been exposed to suspected Ebola cases, with a few considered high-risk and at least one reportedly showing possible symptoms.
Congo has also taken precautionary measures, including closing its land border with Rwanda as of Sunday, May 17, in an effort to limit cross-border transmission.
Health agencies across the region and internationally are now coordinating containment efforts, contact tracing, and medical support to prevent further spread of the virus.
Despite the alarming rise in cases, the WHO reiterated that Ebola outbreaks can be contained with rapid response, effective isolation, and community-level cooperation, though it cautioned that the situation remains fluid and under close observation.