DRC and Uganda declared global Ebola health emergency by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak. As of Saturday, the WHO reported 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases, with the majority originating from Ituri province in northeastern DRC.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant that has no approved vaccine or treatment. Health authorities have identified several factors contributing to the high regional risk, including population movements, weak healthcare infrastructure, and violence by armed groups in Ituri.

According to Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the outbreak began in Mongwalu, a busy mining area, where infected individuals later traveled to other health facilities seeking treatment. The patient zero was identified as a nurse who arrived at a health facility in Ituri’s capital, Bunia, on April 24, showing Ebola-like symptoms.

Uganda has reported two laboratory-confirmed cases linked to travelers arriving from the DRC, including one death in Kampala. Health officials have expressed concern over the rapid spread of the disease across several health zones and borders.

The WHO has advised countries against closing borders or restricting trade, but recommended that neighboring countries activate emergency-management systems, strengthen cross-border screening, and isolate confirmed cases immediately. The organization also urged daily monitoring of contacts and recommended that exposed individuals avoid international travel for 21 days.

Ebola is a severe viral disease caused by direct contact with bodily fluids, resulting in symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and internal bleeding. The incubation period can last two to 21 days. The current outbreak is the second-highest alert level under international health regulations, following the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

The WHO’s declaration of a public health emergency of international concern does not meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency, but neighboring countries are considered at high risk for further spread due to population mobility, trade, and travel linkages.

Source: Al Jazeera