Thursday, May 21Thursday, May 21The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), marking it as a global health crisis. The outbreak, centered in the eastern Ituri province, has resulted in at least 91 deaths and approximately 350 suspected cases, making it one of the largest on record . Cases have also been reported in neighboring Uganda among travelers from the DRC, raising concerns about cross-border transmission .
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which was first identified in Uganda in 2007 before appearing in the DRC in 2012. Experts warn that the virus can continue transmitting even after death, with unsafe burial practices contributing to the spread. The crisis is exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the region, which hampers public health efforts and access to affected areas. Dr. Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko of the University of Kinshasa emphasized that peace and security are critical to controlling the outbreak, as instability limits the effectiveness of medical interventions .
The DRC government has implemented emergency measures to contain the outbreak, including heightened surveillance and response efforts. However, the WHO’s declaration underscores the urgency of international support, as the outbreak poses a significant risk beyond the DRC’s borders . The situation has also drawn attention to broader concerns about global preparedness for pandemics, with experts warning that infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent and damaging due to underinvestment in health systems .
The WHO’s annual assembly, currently underway, is addressing the Ebola crisis alongside other health emergencies, including a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship. While the hantavirus outbreak is considered low-risk for a global pandemic, the concurrent Ebola situation highlights the growing threat of infectious diseases in an interconnected world . The DRC’s health minister has visited outbreak hotspots to assess the response, signaling the government’s commitment to containment efforts .
> Background: **WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency.** — *6 hours ago*
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