WHO Warns Congo Ebola Outbreak Spreading Rapidly

NEW YORK: (Web Desk) – The World Health Organization has expressed serious concern over the growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that the crisis could continue for an extended period as infections spread rapidly across conflict-affected regions.

Health officials say more than 130 people have died in the latest outbreak, which has now been declared an international public health emergency by the WHO.

The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The disease is highly contagious and has caused thousands of deaths across Africa over the past several decades.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was deeply concerned about both the scale and speed of the outbreak as emergency medical teams continue efforts to contain the virus.

In eastern Congo, particularly in the Ituri province near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, healthcare workers are struggling to respond amid limited resources and ongoing armed conflict.

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Authorities reported around 543 suspected Ebola cases, while health workers on the ground warned that hospitals and treatment centers were initially unprepared for the rapid increase in infections.

Medical supplies, tents, and specialist teams have been deployed to affected regions, while abandoned Ebola treatment facilities are being reopened and expanded to manage rising patient numbers.

The outbreak has also spread beyond the epicenter into neighboring provinces and crossed into Uganda, where authorities confirmed Ebola-related cases involving Congolese nationals.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi urged citizens to remain calm and follow health precautions as authorities intensify containment efforts.

The security situation in eastern Congo remains a major challenge for humanitarian operations. Aid organizations say ongoing clashes involving armed groups are complicating access to affected communities and slowing emergency response efforts.

Meanwhile, the United States has announced additional airport screening measures for travelers arriving from outbreak-hit areas and temporarily suspended visa services related to affected regions.

Germany has also confirmed preparations to treat an American aid worker infected with the virus.

The current outbreak is the 17th recorded Ebola epidemic in Congo, a country that has experienced several major health crises over the years.