WHO RAISES ALARM AS EBOLA STRAIN KILLS 454, INFECTS 1,481 ACROSS THREE COUNTRIES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The World Health Organization has expressed concern over a rapidly worsening outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a strain of Ebola, which has reportedly claimed 454 lives and infected 1,481 people across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and France, raising fears of a wider regional health emergency.
According to the WHO, the outbreak is being driven by continued transmission in eastern Congo, a region plagued by conflict and humanitarian challenges. The agency warned that cross-border movement, weak healthcare systems and population displacement are increasing the risk of further spread.
In its latest update, WHO stated that Congo had recorded 1,460 confirmed cases and 452 deaths as of July 1, with infections continuing to emerge in new health zones.
Uganda has so far confirmed 20 cases and two fatalities, while France reported an imported case involving a doctor who returned from Congo after treating infected patients.
WHO noted that the outbreak is expanding rapidly, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and mass displacement.
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“The situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Challenges on the ground are hampering surveillance and response efforts, increasing the likelihood of undetected transmission,” the agency said.
Health officials reported that the latest figures reflect an increase of 564 infections and 220 deaths within less than two weeks, highlighting the speed at which the disease is spreading.
The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for more than 91 per cent of all reported cases. Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu have been identified as the most affected areas.
WHO also revealed that 102 healthcare workers have contracted the virus, with 25 deaths recorded among them, underscoring concerns about gaps in infection prevention and control measures.
More than 10,800 contacts are currently under monitoring in Congo, while Uganda has completed follow-up surveillance on over 800 contacts without recording any new cases since June 21.
In a development that has heightened concerns about international transmission, French authorities confirmed that a doctor who spent five weeks working in Ituri tested positive for the virus upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The doctor reportedly reported symptoms voluntarily and was immediately placed in isolation.
WHO commended the swift action, noting that early reporting and prompt isolation significantly reduce the risk of transmission and demonstrate the importance of effective border health screening.
Bundibugyo virus disease is a rare but potentially fatal Ebola strain that can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and internal bleeding. There is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the disease.
The organisation warned that overcrowded displacement camps, inadequate healthcare facilities and ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo could further complicate efforts to contain the outbreak.
According to WHO, the combination of armed conflict, population displacement and limited access to clean water and healthcare services creates conditions that could accelerate transmission.
Despite the growing number of cases, the agency has not recommended travel or trade restrictions on Congo or Uganda. Instead, it called for enhanced border monitoring and stronger community-based disease response measures.
WHO classified the outbreak risk as “very high” within Congo, “high” in Uganda and neighbouring border regions, and “low” at the global level.
Global health experts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the outbreak can be brought under control before it spreads further.
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