The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) has declared an Ebola outbreak in eastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern.
The agency reported around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, while noting that the situation does not currently meet the criteria of a global pandemic emergency.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that there remain significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infections and the geographical spread of the outbreak.
Health officials confirmed that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments.
The WHO reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, with additional suspected infections across several health zones, including Bunia, Mongwalu, and Rwampara.
The virus has also crossed borders, with two confirmed cases reported in neighbouring Uganda, raising concerns about regional transmission.
Ugandan authorities confirmed the death of a 59-year-old man who tested positive for the virus, highlighting the seriousness of cross-border spread.
The WHO has urged both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to strengthen emergency response systems, improve contact tracing, and isolate confirmed cases to contain the outbreak.
It also advised neighbouring countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness, while cautioning against unnecessary travel or trade restrictions that are not supported by scientific evidence.
Ebola, first identified in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a severe viral disease believed to have originated from bats and is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
The current outbreak marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the country, with past epidemics resulting in significant loss of life, including thousands of deaths in previous major outbreaks.
