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The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a global health emergency amid rising infections and fears of wider regional spread.
In a statement issued Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak now qualifies as a “public health emergency of international concern” following consultations with authorities in both countries. The agency clarified that the situation has not yet reached pandemic status.
According to WHO figures, nearly 246 suspected Ebola cases and about 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri province in eastern Congo. Eight cases have been laboratory confirmed. Additional confirmed infections were also detected in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and Kinshasa, Congo’s capital city.
Health officials warned that the outbreak may be more extensive than currently recorded due to uncertainties over the actual number of infections and the movement of cases across affected areas.
The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or targeted treatment currently exists.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it is working with regional governments and international partners to contain the virus and prevent further cross-border transmission