WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Congo and Uganda an International Health Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern as health officials race to contain the spread of a rare and dangerous strain of the virus.

Africa’s top public health agency first confirmed the outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province on Friday. By Saturday, authorities had recorded 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths. Nearly all infections have been reported in Congo, with two cases confirmed in neighbouring Uganda.

Health experts say the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments. The strain has only been reported twice before since Ebola was first identified in 1976.

The WHO said the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a global pandemic emergency similar to COVID-19 and advised against closing international borders. However, the emergency declaration is intended to mobilise international funding, medical supplies and coordinated action.

The outbreak began in the Mongwalu health zone, a mining area in eastern Congo’s Ituri province with significant population movement. Cases later spread to Rwampara and Bunia as infected people travelled in search of treatment, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials are particularly concerned about the proximity of the outbreak to Uganda and South Sudan, along with ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo caused by armed group activity. Poor road infrastructure and limited healthcare access have complicated efforts to trace contacts and isolate infected individuals.

The Bundibugyo strain was first identified during a 2007 outbreak in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district, where 37 people died out of 149 recorded cases. A second outbreak occurred in Congo in 2012.

Public health specialists say the unusual strain could make containment more difficult despite Congo’s long experience dealing with Ebola outbreaks. Dr Gabriel Nsakala, a public health expert involved in previous Ebola responses, said treatment efforts are largely focused on managing symptoms because specific therapies remain limited.

Authorities in Congo, Uganda and South Sudan have begun joint emergency coordination efforts with support from UN agencies and international partners. Response measures include enhanced border surveillance, contact tracing, isolation of high-risk individuals and safe burial procedures.

Jean Kaseya said multidisciplinary teams have been deployed to border crossings and additional surveillance measures introduced to prevent wider regional spread.

Funding remains a major concern. The WHO has released $500,000 for the emergency response, while Africa CDC announced $2 million in support. Officials say significantly more resources will be needed as the outbreak develops.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials and causes symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. The disease can be fatal if not quickly contained and treated.

Health authorities say rapid detection, isolation and international coordination will be critical in preventing the outbreak from expanding further across Central and East Africa.