Connect with us

International-News

Ebola outbreak declared public health emergency in Congo and Uganda

Ebola outbreak declared public health emergency in Congo and Uganda

WHO classifies the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern amid rising cases in eastern Congo and cross-border risk for Uganda

The World Health Organization has declared the situation an “Ebola outbreak declared public health emergency in Congo and Uganda,” warning that the spread of the virus in the region now represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The agency clarified that the outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, does not meet the threshold for a pandemic classification. However, it stressed that countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo face a significantly elevated risk of further transmission.

As of May 16, data from the Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo show 80 suspected deaths. Laboratory testing has confirmed 8 cases, while 246 additional suspected cases have been identified across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has activated an EU health task force and deployed experts to assist response operations. The agency warned that substantial uncertainty remains regarding the scale of transmission, noting that the outbreak may be more extensive than current surveillance indicates.

According to the ECDC, containment efforts are being hampered by insecurity and humanitarian challenges in affected areas. The Bundibugyo strain further complicates the response, as no approved vaccines or specific treatments are currently available for this variant.

ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner met with Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, to coordinate ongoing operational support. As an initial step, an EU task force expert will be sent to the Africa CDC headquarters to assist with coordination and planning.

The agency is also coordinating with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations mechanism and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network to evaluate the possible deployment of additional specialists. These may include experts in epidemiology, infection prevention, surveillance, and risk communication, depending on how the situation evolves in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

THE LATEST NEWS

Trump’s tough talk on Iran: “We could wipe them out, but it’s not worth it”

The US president attacks Tehran but holds back on the use of force: “We need them for negotiations”. Talks temporarily...
Read More
Trump’s tough talk on Iran: “We could wipe them out, but it’s not worth it”

Pope Leo XIV responds to Trump: immigrants shaped the future of the United States

On the eve of his trip to Lampedusa, the Pope invokes America’s founding ideals and defends the role of immigration...
Read More
Pope Leo XIV responds to Trump: immigrants shaped the future of the United States

US warns of possible Russian provocation to test NATO resolve

Washington alerts Poland to scenarios involving limited strikes, hybrid operations, or controlled incursions designed to probe the Alliance’s response The...
Read More
US warns of possible Russian provocation to test NATO resolve

Iran displays coffin of Ali Khamenei ahead of state funerals

Mass funeral ceremonies will begin July 4 and end July 9 in Mashhad, as authorities mobilize nationwide participation following the...
Read More
Iran displays coffin of Ali Khamenei ahead of state funerals

The resilience of Russia’s wartime economy under Putin

Four years after the invasion of Ukraine, growing economic strain, shifting public sentiment, and structural imbalances are raising renewed questions...
Read More
The resilience of Russia’s wartime economy under Putin

Church schisms through the centuries, from early splits to today

From the first divisions in early Christianity to modern traditionalist ruptures, the history of the Church is marked by recurring...
Read More
Church schisms through the centuries, from early splits to today

(Photo: © AndKronos)