Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC sparks international concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a public health emergency of international concern, the BBC reported.

The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has resulted in around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths in the country’s eastern Ituri province. The WHO said the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic but warned the actual number of infections could be higher than reported.

The current outbreak is the 17th recorded in DRC since Ebola was first identified there in 1976.

Health authorities confirmed cases in several locations, including Bunia, Mongwalu and Rwampara. One infection was also reported in the capital, Kinshasa. Neighboring Uganda has confirmed two cases connected to the outbreak, including a man who later died.

The WHO said the lack of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, combined with population movement, urban transmission risks and ongoing insecurity in eastern DR Congo, increases the risk of further spread.

The WHO has advised affected countries to improve monitoring, isolate confirmed cases and strengthen infection-prevention measures, while recommending against border closures or travel restrictions.