The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The outbreak has recorded about 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, with eight laboratory-confirmed infections of the Bundibugyo strain, for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the true scale of infections and spread remains uncertain.

Cases have been reported across three health zones, including Bunia, Mongwalu and Rwampara, with the virus also detected in neighbouring Uganda where a 59-year-old man has died after testing positive.

The WHO said countries bordering the affected region face a high risk of further spread due to cross-border movement and urged strengthened surveillance, isolation of confirmed cases and coordinated emergency response measures. It added that international travel and trade restrictions are not recommended. (NewsWire)

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