BBC
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo as a public health emergency of international concern.
Despite the severity of the situation, the organization clarified that the outbreak, which has reported approximately 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, does not fulfill the criteria to be classified as a pandemic emergency.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director-general, emphasized the considerable uncertainties regarding the actual number of infected individuals and the geographic spread of the outbreak.
The specific strain responsible for this outbreak is the Bundibugyo virus, which, according to the health agency, currently lacks any approved treatments or vaccines.
At present, the WHO has confirmed eight laboratory cases of the virus, alongside additional suspected cases and fatalities across three health zones, including Bunia—the capital of Ituri province—and the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara.
Notably, the virus has extended its reach beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with two confirmed cases already reported in neighboring Uganda. Ugandan authorities revealed that a 59-year-old man who passed away on Thursday had tested positive for the virus.
Countries surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo are deemed to be at high risk for further virus transmission, largely due to factors such as population movement, trade, and travel.
In light of the situation, the WHO has recommended that both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda establish emergency operation centers to effectively monitor, trace, and enforce infection prevention strategies.
To mitigate the spread of the virus, the health agency insists that confirmed cases should be promptly isolated and treated until they test negative for the Bundibugyo virus in two specific tests administered at least 48 hours apart.
Moreover, governments of countries neighboring affected regions are encouraged to enhance their surveillance and health reporting systems.
The WHO cautioned against countries outside the impacted regions imposing border closures or travel restrictions, stating that such actions are often driven by fear and lack scientific support.
Ebola was first identified in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo and is believed to have originated from bats. This outbreak marks the 17th occurrence of the deadly viral disease in the country.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids or via broken skin, resulting in severe bleeding and organ failure.
Initial symptoms encompass fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and sore throat, which can progress to include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding.
Currently, there is no verified cure for Ebola, with the average fatality rate hovering around 50%, according to WHO data.
The Africa CDC has previously expressed concerns regarding the heightened risk of further transmission influenced by the urban environments of Rwampara and Bunia, in addition to the mining operations in Mongwalu.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, the executive director of the health agency, noted that "significant population movement" between the affected zones and neighboring countries necessitates a coordinated regional response.
To date, approximately 15,000 individuals have succumbed to the virus across various African nations over the last five decades.
The most devastating outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo took place from 2018 to 2020, claiming nearly 2,300 lives.
In a separate outbreak the previous year, 45 fatalities were reported in a remote area of the country.
Share this story