Arabic version: منظمة الصحة العالمية تعلن عن تفشي الإيبولا حالة طوارئ صحية عالمية

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern”. This declaration comes as health officials report at least 80 deaths and confirm international spread of the virus. However, the WHO clarified that the outbreak does not meet the criteria for a pandemic and has advised against border closures. According to ABC News, the outbreak poses risks to neighboring countries, prompting WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus to convene an emergency committee to coordinate a regional response.

As of Saturday, the DRC’s Ituri province has reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases across three health zones: Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. In Uganda, two unrelated laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala from individuals who traveled from the DRC. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no vaccine or specific treatment, is responsible for this outbreak and is known for its high fatality rate.

Local health officials first announced the outbreak late on Friday, citing 80 suspected deaths and 246 suspected cases. The first cases emerged in the Mongwalu health zone, a busy mining area, and subsequently spread as patients sought medical care in other regions. Insecurity in Ituri, exacerbated by attacks from Islamic State-backed militants, has hindered effective surveillance and response efforts.

Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba confirmed that the Bundibugyo virus variant, which has a lethality rate that can reach 50%, is responsible for the outbreak. The suspected index case was a nurse who displayed Ebola symptoms and died at a hospital in Bunia three weeks ago. The WHO’s emergency declaration aims to mobilize donor agencies and countries to take action, emphasizing the need for immediate isolation of confirmed cases and daily monitoring of contacts.

Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, the WHO has advised against implementing border closures or travel restrictions, stating that such measures are often driven by fear and lack scientific justification. Instead, the agency encourages coordinated international response efforts to effectively manage and contain the spread of the disease.