The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning that it poses a significant risk of spreading to neighbouring countries. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, does not meet the criteria of a global pandemic emergency, but health officials say the situation remains serious.
According to the WHO, the outbreak has so far recorded around 80 suspected deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases across multiple health zones in eastern DRC’s Ituri province, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. The UN health agency also noted that international spread has already been documented, raising concerns for countries sharing borders with the affected region.
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