WHO declares an Ebola health emergency in Congo of international concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The UN health agency cited rising cases, cross-border spread and significant uncertainty about the scale of the epidemic.

The decision, announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus on Sunday, follows reports of confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

Although the situation is serious, it currently does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency under WHO international Health Regulations.

As of May 16, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC.

Cases have also been confirmed in the capital, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, where two infected people traveled from Congo and were treated in intensive care.

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WHO warned that the outbreak is likely larger than currently detected and pointed to clusters of unexplained deaths, high positivity rates among tested samples, and limited understanding of transmission patterns.

At least four deaths among healthcare workers have also raised concerns about infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities.

The agency emphasized that the outbreak poses a risk to neighboring countries due to high population mobility, trade relations and ongoing humanitarian challenges in the affected regions.

Despite the risks, WHO does not recommend restrictions on international travel or trade.

However, the report urges countries to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and community engagement, while ensuring accurate public information.

Authorities in Congo and Uganda have been advised to activate emergency response mechanisms, increase contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention and increase treatment capacity.