WHO declares Ebola public health emergency of international concern

The World Health Organization on Sunday declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Announcing the decision, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus cited rising cases, cross-border spread and significant uncertainties about the scale of the epidemic.

The UN agency, however, said while the situation is serious, it does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency under the WHO’s International Health Regulations. 

The WHO, partners, and regional government are strengthening coordination to contain the spread of the virus amid confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain.

According to latest statistics, health authorities, as of May 16, had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC.

Cases have also been confirmed in the capital, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, where two infected individuals travelled from DRC and were admitted to intensive care. 

The WHO believes the outbreak is likely larger than detected, pointing to incidents of unexplained deaths, a high positivity rate among tested samples and limited understanding of transmission patterns.

But despite the risks, WHO does not recommend restrictions on international travel or trade, urging countries to increase surveillance, preparedness and community engagement, and ensure accurate public information.

The agency has advised authorities in DRC and Uganda to activate emergency response mechanisms, enhance contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention and scale up treatment capacity.

The WHO stressed that no approved vaccines or specific treatments exist yet for the Bundibugyo strain, encouraging accelerated research and clinical trials. An Emergency Committee will be convened to provide further recommendations