The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern amid rising cases and cross-border spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, warning of potential regional spread.
The outbreak in eastern Ituri province has recorded about 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, with eight laboratory-confirmed infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain.
Health officials confirmed cases across Bunia, Mongwalu and Rwampara, with one infection reported in Kinshasa and additional cases in neighbouring Uganda.
The WHO said the situation could become “a much larger outbreak” due to high population movement and weak surveillance systems in affected areas.
“The ongoing security situation and humanitarian crisis increases the risk of spread,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The agency urged immediate isolation of confirmed cases and stronger monitoring in neighbouring countries while advising against travel restrictions, saying they are not scientifically justified.
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