Kinshasa, May 29: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing 906 suspected cases of Ebola, with the outbreak continuing to spread across Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The Bundibugyo strain of the virus has been identified as the cause of the current wave of infections.
Officials confirmed that Uganda has also reported linked cases, underscoring the risk of cross-border transmission. WHO has dispatched emergency teams and medical supplies to affected areas, while urging neighboring countries to strengthen surveillance and preparedness.
The outbreak has already claimed over a hundred lives, with health authorities warning that the actual number of infections may be higher due to underreporting and limited access to remote regions. Treatment centers are being expanded, and public health campaigns are urging citizens to avoid unsafe practices and report symptoms immediately.
Global health agencies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the African Union, are coordinating with Congo and Uganda to contain the spread. WHO emphasized that while the regional risk remains high, the global risk is currently assessed as low.
Experts noted that the rapid escalation of suspected cases highlights the urgent need for international support, improved medical infrastructure, and community engagement to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
