WHO Raises Alarm Over Rapidly Spreading Ebola Outbreak In DR Congo

The World Health Organization has issued a stark warning over the “scale and speed” of a devastating Ebola outbreak currently sweeping through eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Health authorities report that at least 131 people have lost their lives, with the number of suspected infections surpassing 500 as the virus continues to advance through conflict-affected regions bordering Uganda and South Sudan.

The WHO has officially declared the situation an international health emergency, cautioning that the crisis may persist for several months.

The outbreak has been linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.

Humanitarian organisations warn that the ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo is significantly hampering response efforts.

Related: World Hepatitis Day: Health Minister Says Over 18 Million Nigerians Infected With Hepatitis

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege has called on the M23 rebel group to reopen Goma airport, a move he says would allow medical aid and emergency personnel to reach affected communities more swiftly.

Uganda has already recorded cases tied to the outbreak, while the United States has initiated screening procedures for air travellers arriving from impacted areas.

Ebola, which was first identified in 1976, is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids and can trigger severe internal bleeding and organ failure.

Congolese authorities are urging the public to remain calm, adhere to health advisories, and report any symptoms without delay, as concerns mount over the potential for the outbreak to spread further across the region.