Ebola outbreak is declared

World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern following dozens of deaths and hundreds of suspected infections.

Health officials reported around 80 suspected deaths along with hundreds of possible cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Several confirmed infections have already been identified in affected regions.

Most cases were detected in Congo’s Ituri province, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. Another confirmed infection was later identified in the eastern city of Goma.

The WHO warned the outbreak could be far larger than current numbers suggest because of the rising number of suspected cases and the high positivity rate in early testing.

Unlike other Ebola strains, the Bundibugyo virus currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Officials described the situation as especially concerning because previous outbreaks in Congo were mostly linked to the Ebola-Zaire strain, for which medical countermeasures exist.

Uganda has also reported confirmed cases in Kampala connected to travelers arriving from Congo. Another infection was confirmed in Kinshasa after an individual returned from the outbreak zone, raising fears of wider regional spread.

Health authorities urged countries to strengthen border screening, isolate confirmed patients, and monitor contacts closely. However, the WHO advised against shutting borders entirely, warning that panic-driven restrictions could push travel and trade into unmonitored crossings, increasing the risk of uncontrolled transmission.