The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, following a sharp rise in deaths and fears of wider regional spread.
Health authorities confirmed that at least 88 people have died from the outbreak caused by a rare Ebola strain, with more than 300 suspected infections reported. Officials warn the virus may have been spreading undetected for weeks before detection.
Most cases have been recorded in mining communities in Ituri Province, but new infections in Kinshasa and North Kivu have raised concerns about wider transmission across borders into Uganda and Rwanda.
The Africa CDC says the origin of the outbreak remains unknown, complicating containment efforts.
“So far we don’t know the index case,” said Dr. Jean Kaseya, warning that the situation remains unpredictable.
The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no widely available vaccine coverage, increasing global concern.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces, and can be deadly in up to 50% of cases or more depending on the strain.
The WHO described the situation as “extraordinary,” urging stronger surveillance and international support to prevent further spread.
The DRC is now facing its 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
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