By Staff Reporter
The World Health Organization has warned about the “scale and speed” of a deadly Ebola outbreak spreading across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where at least 131 people have died and more than 500 suspected cases have been recorded.
Health officials say the virus is spreading through conflict-affected areas near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. The WHO has officially declared the outbreak an international health emergency, cautioning that the crisis could continue for several months.
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Aid organizations say ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo is severely hampering response efforts. Denis Mukwege has appealed to the M23 rebel group to reopen Goma airport to allow medical supplies and emergency teams to reach affected communities more quickly.
Meanwhile, Uganda has already confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, while the United States has started screening passengers arriving from affected regions.
Ebola, first discovered in 1976, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure, and death. Authorities in Congo are urging residents to remain calm, follow public health guidelines, and report symptoms immediately as fears grow over possible regional spread.
