Ebola Declared Global Health Emergency

By Emelda Jinya

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern amid fears of further regional spread.

According to the WHO, the outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain has reportedly caused at least 80 deaths, with eight confirmed cases and 246 suspected infections recorded in eastern DRC’s Ituri Province.

The DRC Ministry of Health says this is the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified there in 1976.

The WHO warns neighbouring countries remain at high risk due to increased cross-border movement, although the outbreak has not yet been classified as a pandemic.

Authorities in DRC and Uganda have intensified surveillance, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to contain the disease.

Ebola is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle pain.

Ends//////