Geneva, May 20 (Darfur24)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed alarm over the “scale and speed” of a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the crisis could continue for months as infections spread in conflict-affected regions.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has already killed more than 130 people, with over 540 suspected cases reported, according to Congolese authorities.
WHO has declared the outbreak an international health emergency, while health officials warned that no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the strain responsible for the epidemic.
Aid workers and health officials are racing to contain the spread, particularly in northeastern Ituri province, where poor infrastructure, armed conflict, and population movements are complicating response efforts.
Medical supplies and emergency teams have been deployed to affected areas, including the eastern city of Goma, but health workers say treatment centers remain overstretched and underprepared.
The virus has already spread into neighboring provinces and across borders into Uganda, where authorities confirmed one death and another infection linked to Congolese nationals.
WHO officials said a vaccine candidate known as Ervebo is being considered, though it may take at least two months before it becomes available.
Humanitarian organizations also warned that insecurity and restrictions caused by ongoing fighting could severely hamper efforts to contain the outbreak.
Several neighboring countries have tightened border controls and introduced preventive measures, while the United States has evacuated exposed citizens for monitoring and treatment in Europe.
Ebola, or Ebola Virus Disease, is a rare but severe and often fatal infectious illness caused by viruses in the genus Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals and can cause internal/external bleeding, organ failure, and fever.