17/05/2026
Ebola Scare Grows as WHO Declares Congo & Uganda Outbreak an International Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following rising cases and deaths linked to the deadly virus.
According to the WHO, the outbreak in Ituri Province has recorded about 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, with fears that the situation could become far worse than currently reported.
Health officials revealed that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare strain with no approved vaccine or specific treatment available yet.
Authorities confirmed eight laboratory-tested cases so far, with infections reported in Bunia, Mongwalu and Rwampara. A case has also been detected in Kinshasa after a patient reportedly travelled from Ituri.
The virus has now crossed borders, with neighbouring Uganda confirming two Ebola cases, including a 59-year-old Congolese man who later died.
WHO warned that insecurity, heavy movement of people, overcrowded urban areas and weak healthcare systems in eastern DR Congo could increase the risk of regional spread.
Early symptoms of Ebola include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and bleeding.
The WHO has advised DR Congo and Uganda to strengthen emergency response systems, isolate confirmed cases immediately and intensify contact tracing to reduce further spread.
