The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), following dozens of deaths and a growing number of suspected cases.
According to the WHO, 80 suspected deaths, eight confirmed cases, and 246 suspected infections have been reported as of Saturday in the DRC’s Ituri province, spanning at least three health zones including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. One additional case was reported in the eastern city of Goma, according to a statement by M23 rebels.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. While the WHO said it does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency, it warned there is a significant risk of cross-border spread to neighbouring countries.
The UN health agency advised against closing borders but urged strict monitoring, isolation of suspected cases, and enhanced screening in border regions to contain the virus.
Reports also indicate that at least six American citizens in the DRC have been exposed to the virus, with three considered high-risk exposures. CBS News, citing unnamed aid sources, reported that one individual may have developed symptoms, though this has not been independently verified.
STAT News further reported that US authorities were attempting to evacuate some of the exposed individuals, potentially to a US military base in Germany.
Satish Pillai, Ebola response incident manager at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), declined to confirm whether any Americans were infected but said the risk to the United States remains low.
The CDC has activated its emergency response centre and plans to deploy additional staff to its offices in the DRC and Uganda to assist with containment efforts.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in the DRC issued a health alert advising against travel to the Ituri province, warning that US consular assistance in the area is extremely limited.
