Meta Title:
WHO Raises Concern as Ebola Cases Surge in DR Congo and Uganda
Meta Description:
Excerpt:
News Tags:
WHO Intensifies Response as Ebola Cases Increase in DR Congo and Uganda
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern over the growing Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda, warning that additional infections are likely to be identified in the coming weeks as surveillance and response efforts expand.
Tedros disclosed in a public update shared on his official social media platform on Tuesday, providing details on the current status of the outbreak and ongoing containment measures being coordinated by health authorities and international partners.
According to the WHO chief, a total of 101 confirmed cases of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 10 confirmed fatalities linked to the disease.
He noted, however, that the overall impact of the outbreak may be considerably higher, with health authorities also monitoring more than 900 suspected cases and approximately 220 suspected deaths pending further investigation and laboratory confirmation.
In Uganda, Tedros reported that two additional cases had been confirmed among healthcare workers, increasing the country’s total number of confirmed infections to seven. The outbreak in Uganda has so far resulted in one confirmed death.
The WHO Director-General stated that national health authorities, supported by WHO and partner organizations, are intensifying emergency response operations aimed at limiting transmission, strengthening surveillance systems, and ensuring affected communities receive timely medical care.
“We are continuing to scale up the response with our partners, and we expect more cases to be identified in the coming days and weeks,” Tedros said while emphasizing the importance of sustained vigilance throughout the affected regions.
He underscored the critical role of early detection, case investigation, and contact tracing in interrupting transmission chains and preventing wider community spread of the virus.
According to Tedros, prompt identification of infected individuals and those who may have been exposed remains one of the most effective strategies for controlling the outbreak and improving patient outcomes through timely treatment and supportive care.
Public health officials continue to monitor developments closely as response teams work to contain the outbreak and reduce the risk of further transmission across affected areas in Central and East Africa.
