The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency following the rapid spread of the Ebola virus in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. So far, 88 people have died from the outbreak, while 336 suspected cases have been reported.
The outbreak began in Congo’s eastern Ituri province, where infected individuals in the mining area of Mongbwalu traveled to different cities and spread the virus. The virus later reached Uganda, where one death has also been reported in the capital city, Kampala.
According to experts, the current outbreak involves the rare “Bundibugyo” strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available.
Officials said that the mortality rate of the virus could reach up to 50 percent.
The World Health Organization has warned that cross border movement, weak healthcare systems, and ongoing unrest in eastern Congo could become major obstacles in controlling the outbreak. The organization has directed neighboring countries to ensure strict surveillance, immediate isolation, and continuous monitoring of affected individuals.
The health agency clarified that although the situation is serious, it has not yet been declared a global pandemic, while countries have also been advised against closing borders or suspending trade.
It is worth mentioning that Congo has witnessed 17 major Ebola outbreaks since 1976, while the deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020 claimed nearly 2,300 lives.
