Source: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following growing fears over cross-border transmission and rising fatalities.
According to a statement issued by the WHO and shared with the Ghana News Agency, the declaration was made after consultations with the affected countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
The outbreak was first detected in the Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, where health authorities recorded clusters of severe illnesses and deaths, including infections among healthcare workers.
Laboratory tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed 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.
Meanwhile, Uganda has also confirmed an outbreak after detecting an imported case involving a Congolese national who later died in Kampala.
The WHO noted that previous outbreaks of Bundibugyo virus disease recorded fatality rates ranging between 30 and 50 percent.
Unlike the more common Ebola virus disease, there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease. However, the WHO indicated that early supportive medical care significantly improves survival chances.
Health authorities in both countries have intensified emergency response measures, including the deployment of rapid response teams, enhanced disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control activities, and public sensitisation campaigns.
Treatment centres and isolation facilities are also being established in affected communities to contain the spread of the disease.
The WHO said it is supporting both countries in coordinating response activities, managing cases, and strengthening cross-border preparedness to prevent further international spread.
The organisation has also issued public health guidance to countries worldwide to improve preparedness and reduce the risk of global transmission.
Ebola is a severe and often deadly disease spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. Symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
Health experts have urged residents in affected areas to strictly observe hygiene protocols, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report symptoms promptly to health authorities.
