The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” following a sharp rise in confirmed cases and suspected deaths across affected regions.
The outbreak, first detected in Ituri Province in northeastern Congo, has now been confirmed in both Kinshasa and Kampala, raising global concern over wider transmission.
Cases Spread Across Borders
According to WHO data, at least 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been recorded in Ituri Province, although only a small number have been confirmed through laboratory testing.
The organisation said eight cases have so far been scientifically confirmed, while broader assessments suggest the outbreak could be more widespread than currently documented.
Emergency Declaration Raises Global Alarm
The WHO’s emergency declaration signals a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak, improve surveillance, and accelerate access to vaccines, treatments and health resources.
The agency warned that significant uncertainties remain about the true scale and geographic spread of the virus.
“There are significant uncertainties about the true number of infected people and the geographic spread associated with this event,” the WHO said.
Urban Spread Raises Concern
Health officials confirmed that cases have now been detected in Kampala and Kinshasa, both major capital cities, increasing fears of rapid transmission due to high population density and cross-border movement.
One of the confirmed cases in Uganda reportedly resulted in death, while others were linked to travellers moving from Congo’s affected regions.
Response And Challenges
The outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no licensed vaccine or treatment currently exists.
WHO said ongoing humanitarian challenges, population movement, and weak health systems in affected areas could complicate containment efforts.
Public health experts have also raised concerns that early detection may have come late in the outbreak cycle, making response efforts more difficult.
As the situation develops, global health authorities are expected to intensify monitoring, contact tracing and emergency response operations across Central and East Africa.
