WHO declares global health emergency as Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda kills 88
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern following 88 deaths and over 330 suspected cases. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has spread to urban areas including Kinshasa and Kampala, raising concerns about wider transmission. Ongoing conflict, population movement, and delayed detection are hampering containment efforts.
- ▪The Ebola outbreak has resulted in 88 deaths out of 336 suspected cases, primarily in Congo's Ituri province.
- ▪The Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments, is responsible for the current outbreak.
- ▪Cases have been confirmed in Congo’s capital Kinshasa and in Uganda, indicating regional spread.
- ▪Violent conflict and high population mobility are complicating contact tracing and response efforts.
- ▪The WHO emphasizes the risk of international spread but does not recommend closing borders.
- ▪This is the third known outbreak of the Bundibugyo variant since its discovery in 2007.
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Open this photo in gallery:The CBCA Virunga General Hospital in Goma on DR Congo on Sunday. According to figures released by the African Union's health agency, 88 deaths likely caused by the Ebola virus have been recorded out of 336 suspected cases.JOSPIN MWISHA/AFP/Getty ImagesShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountThe World Health Organization declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by a rare virus in Congo and neighbouring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths.The WHO said the outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like COVID-19, and advised against the closure of international borders.The WHO said on X that a laboratory-confirmed case has…
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