The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, citing rising suspected deaths, cross-border spread and the lack of approved treatments for the virus strain involved.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has resulted in 80 suspected deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected infections as of Saturday, according to the WHO.
Most cases have been reported in eastern Congo’s Ituri province across several health zones including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. Authorities also confirmed one case in the eastern city of Goma.
The WHO said the outbreak does not meet the threshold for a pandemic declaration but warned that neighbouring countries remain at high risk due to documented international spread.
“This outbreak is extraordinary,” the agency said, noting that unlike the more common Ebola-Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo virus.
The outbreak marks Congo’s 17th Ebola epidemic since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. Health officials warned the true scale could be significantly larger because of rising suspected cases and a high positivity rate among early samples.
In Uganda, authorities reported two laboratory-confirmed cases in the capital Kampala, including one death. The WHO said both individuals had travelled from Congo.
The agency also corrected earlier reports regarding a suspected case in Congo’s capital Kinshasa, saying follow-up testing returned a negative result.
The WHO urged governments to activate emergency mechanisms, strengthen cross-border monitoring and carry out screening at major transport routes. Confirmed cases should be isolated immediately, while contacts should be monitored daily and avoid travel for 21 days following exposure.
However, the agency advised against border closures or restrictions on trade and travel, warning such measures could push movement into unmonitored informal crossings.
The outbreak has also prompted discussions at the continental level. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said technical consultations were underway regarding whether to declare a continental public health emergency.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials and deceased victims. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe body aches. Congo’s dense tropical forests are considered a natural reservoir for the virus.
