Jakarta, ThedailyID — The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo a global public health emergency after the virus killed dozens of people and spread near international borders.
Health authorities reported at least 88 deaths and more than 330 suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in northeastern Congo. The outbreak has mainly affected areas close to the borders with Uganda and South Sudan.
WHO officials warned that the situation has become increasingly dangerous because of cross-border movement and limited healthcare infrastructure in affected regions.
The agency also noted that no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain, making containment efforts more difficult.
“This outbreak poses a serious regional risk,” WHO officials said while announcing the emergency declaration.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations including Doctors Without Borders described the rapid spread of the virus as “extremely concerning.”
Medical teams continue tracing contacts, isolating patients, and monitoring nearby communities to prevent wider transmission.
Authorities in neighboring countries have also increased border screenings and emergency preparedness measures following WHO’s announcement.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals and can cause severe fever, internal bleeding, organ failure, and death.
Previous Ebola outbreaks in Central and West Africa have killed thousands of people over the past two decades.
Public health experts warned that delayed containment efforts, limited resources, and regional instability could complicate the response further.
WHO urged governments and international organizations to strengthen surveillance, support medical teams, and accelerate emergency funding to contain the outbreak.
