The WHO declared an Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, with 80 deaths reported.
3:35 AM
The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern" on Sunday. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, though the WHO said it does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.
As of Saturday, authorities reported 80 suspected deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases in the DRC's Ituri province across at least three health zones: Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the continent's top public health body, confirmed the outbreak on Friday and said cases had mainly been reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed cases.
Uganda confirmed the outbreak's spread beyond the DRC when authorities reported that a 59-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo died in the capital Kampala after testing positive for the virus. The man died on Thursday, according to Uganda's Ministry of Health.
The Africa CDC expressed concern about the risk of further spread due to several factors. The agency cited the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement in affected areas, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, and control challenges. The mining cities of Mongwalu and Rwampara are considered particularly vulnerable because of high population mobility.
The Africa CDC said it was convening an urgent meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response efforts. Health authorities began an Ebola response in the affected areas, with officials working to contain the outbreak.
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