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WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda global health emergency

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The World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

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The global health body said in a statement that the decision was based on the growing risk of international spread of the virus and the absence of approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain.

It said the outbreak met the criteria for a global health emergency under the International Health Regulations, although it does not yet qualify as a pandemic emergency.

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As of May 16, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province of DR Congo, affecting Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu health zones.

Uganda also confirmed two cases in Kampala, including one death, involving travellers from DR Congo.

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WHO said unusual clusters of deaths linked to symptoms consistent with Bundibugyo virus disease had also been reported across parts of Ituri and North Kivu provinces, while at least four healthcare workers had died from suspected viral haemorrhagic fever, raising fears of hospital-based transmission.

The agency warned that the true scale of the outbreak remained unclear due to limited epidemiological data, insecurity, population displacement and weak health systems in affected communities.

According to WHO, the high positivity rate from initial laboratory samples, increasing reports of suspected cases and deaths, and the detection of cases in Kampala indicate the outbreak could be significantly larger than currently reported.

WHO noted that unlike the Ebola Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics specifically targeting the Bundibugyo virus strain.

The organisation said neighbouring countries sharing borders with DR Congo face a high risk of further spread because of population movement, trade activities and ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.

WHO announced plans to convene an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to advise on temporary recommendations for responding countries.

 

 

 

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