The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola virus spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern”, warning neighboring countries of significant transmission risks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told dzwatch that while the outbreak does not yet meet pandemic criteria, the Bundibugyo strain poses exceptional danger as no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for it — unlike the Zaire strain responsible for all but one previous Congo outbreaks.
As of Saturday, authorities recorded 80 suspected deaths, 8 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 246 suspected infections across at least three health zones in Ituri province, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mungwalu.
WHO recommended that confirmed cases and contacts avoid international travel for 21 days post-exposure and urged nations against closing borders, warning informal crossings could make surveillance impossible.
