LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The World Health Organization(WHO) has sounded a fresh warning after the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak claimed 454 lives, saying the virus is spreading rapidly across eastern Congo while posing a growing risk to neighbouring countries.
According to the global health agency, the outbreak has killed 454 people and infected 1,481 others across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The agency stated that the virus is being driven by sustained transmission in eastern Congo, where conflict, population displacement and weak healthcare systems are making it increasingly difficult to contain the virus.
WHO reported that Congo had recorded 1,460 confirmed infections and 452 deaths as of July 1, with new cases continuing to emerge in additional health zones.
Uganda has also confirmed 20 infections and two deaths, while France recently reported an imported case involving a doctor who returned after treating Ebola patients in Congo.
Describing the situation as alarming, the agency warned that the combination of insecurity and humanitarian challenges could allow the disease to spread further across borders.
“This outbreak is expanding at a dangerous pace, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and displacement. The conditions on the ground are creating major barriers to surveillance and response, increasing the risk of undetected transmission,” WHO stated.
Health officials explain that the latest figures represent a sharp rise of 564 new infections and 220 additional deaths within two weeks, highlighting the speed at which the outbreak is evolving.
READ ALSO: Deadly Ebola Outbreak Drives WHO To Test New Experimental Therapies
The hardest-hit area remains Ituri Province, which accounts for more than 91 percent of all reported cases. Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu have been identified among the most affected communities.
The outbreak has also taken a heavy toll on frontline medical workers.
WHO reported that 102 healthcare personnel have contracted the virus, with 25 deaths recorded among them.
Also, more than 10,800 people who came into contact with infected patients are being monitored in Congo.
In Uganda, authorities have completed follow-up on over 800 contacts, with no new cases reported since June 21.
Health officials highlighted a recent imported case in France involving a middle-aged doctor who developed symptoms after returning from Ituri.
The doctor reportedly declared the illness immediately upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport and was isolated without delay.
WHO praised the response, stating, “Early self-reporting and rapid isolation significantly reduce transmission risk and demonstrate the importance of border health vigilance.”
READ ALSO: Former IGP Suleiman Abba Dumps APC For PDP Ahead Of 2027 Race
Bundibugyo virus disease is one of the six known Ebola virus species capable of causing severe outbreaks in humans.
Symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and internal bleeding. Presently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.
Notably, the agency warned that overcrowded camps for displaced people, poor access to healthcare, inadequate sanitation and ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo could further accelerate transmission.
“The combination of conflict, mass displacement and limited access to clean water and healthcare is a perfect storm for Ebola transmission,” WHO noted.
Although WHO has not recommended travel or trade restrictions on Congo or Uganda, it however urged countries to strengthen border screening, disease surveillance and community-based response measures.
The organization currently rates the outbreak risk as very high in Congo, high in Uganda and neighbouring border countries, but low at the global level.
Health experts maintain that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the outbreak can be contained before it spreads more widely.
