Ebola Outbreak in Congo: over 350 cases, around 120 deaths reported
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) amid rising infections and regional transmission concerns.
According to health agencies, more than 350 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported, while the death toll has crossed 100. Reports indicate that the outbreak has also spread into neighbouring Uganda, raising fears of wider regional transmission.
The outbreak has been linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments. WHO noted that previous outbreaks involving this strain recorded fatality rates between 30% and 50%.
Health authorities confirmed that several healthcare workers have also died during the outbreak, increasing concerns over infection control measures and the strain on medical infrastructure in affected regions.
WHO has warned that the actual number of infections may be significantly higher due to limited surveillance and incomplete epidemiological data. Emergency response teams and medical specialists are being deployed to affected provinces in Congo.
The United States has announced temporary travel restrictions for non-citizens who recently travelled to Congo, Uganda and nearby affected regions. Meanwhile, Indian health authorities said no Ebola case has been reported in the country so far, though precautionary surveillance measures have been strengthened.
Despite declaring a global health emergency, WHO has not recommended international travel or trade restrictions at this stage.
