Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration comes amid growing concerns over cross-border transmission and high mortality rates associated with the outbreak.
According to Ghana News Agency, the WHO made the announcement after consultations with affected countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR). The outbreak was initially detected in the Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province, eastern DRC, where health authorities identified a cluster of severe illnesses and fatalities, including cases among healthcare workers. Laboratory analysis by the Institut National de Recherche Biom©dicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in eight out of 13 blood samples collected from the Rwampara Health Zone in Ituri Province.
The DRC Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare officially declared the country's 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15. Uganda confirmed an outbreak following the detection of an imported case involving a Congolese national who later died in Kampala. The WHO noted that past outbreaks of Bundibugyo virus disease have shown fatality rates ranging from 30 to 50 percent. Unlike the more common Ebola virus disease, there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early supportive care can significantly improve survival chances.
Health authorities in both DRC and Uganda have escalated their response measures, deploying rapid response teams, enhancing disease surveillance, conducting laboratory testing, and implementing infection prevention and control measures. Community engagement campaigns are also underway, and treatment centers and isolation facilities are being established in the affected areas.
The WHO is providing support to both countries in coordinating response efforts, managing cases, and strengthening cross-border preparedness to limit further spread of the disease. The organization has also issued public health advice globally to enhance preparedness and prevent international transmission.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. Symptoms of the disease include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. Health experts have urged the public in affected regions to adhere to strict hygiene measures, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report symptoms early to health authorities.
Source: Ghana News Agency