The World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency after a deadly Ebola outbreak emerged in Central Africa, raising concerns among global health authorities. The outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, where health officials are now racing to contain the spread of the virus.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 88 people have died so far and more than 300 suspected infections have been recorded. While the numbers are alarming, global health officials clarified that the situation does not currently meet the criteria to be classified as a pandemic.
Most of the suspected cases have been reported in eastern Congo, particularly in the Ituri province. Health authorities say 246 suspected infections and around 80 suspected deaths have been detected across several health zones in the region. Meanwhile, Uganda has confirmed two laboratory cases in the capital city of Kampala, including one death. Investigators say the two cases appear unrelated, which suggests the possibility of hidden transmission chains.
The current outbreak has been linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Scientists explain that Ebola disease can be caused by several viruses, including the Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus. The strain involved in the latest outbreak is uncommon and has only been responsible for two previous outbreaks.
The Bundibugyo virus was first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during the 2007–2008 outbreak, which infected 149 people and killed 37. Another outbreak occurred in 2012 in Congo’s Isiro region, where 57 cases and 29 deaths were reported.
Ebola itself is not a new disease. The first recorded cases date back to 1976 in regions that are now part of South Sudan and Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically across parts of Africa. The most devastating epidemic occurred between 2013 and 2016 in West Africa, when countries such as Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone recorded more than 28,000 infections and over 11,000 deaths. During that crisis, isolated travel-related cases were also detected in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.
Another major outbreak struck Congo and Uganda between 2018 and 2020, infecting more than 3,400 people and causing over 2,200 deaths.
Health experts say Ebola is highly dangerous, with fatality rates in some outbreaks reaching as high as 80 to 90 percent. However, the virus spreads differently from airborne diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. Blood, sweat, saliva, vomit, and other bodily fluids can carry the virus. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces, clothing, or medical equipment.
Importantly, Ebola is not an airborne virus. It does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19, and it cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites or casual contact.
The illness usually begins suddenly. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, severe muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, skin rash, and signs of kidney or liver failure. Doctors stress that early detection and supportive medical care can significantly improve survival chances.
Vaccines have been developed to protect against certain strains of Ebola. The WHO says two highly effective vaccines are available, but they are designed to protect against the Zaire strain of the virus. Unfortunately, these vaccines do not provide protection against the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the current outbreak.
Health authorities are urging people in affected areas to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding contact with infected animals such as fruit bats, monkeys, and apes is considered important because these animals can carry the virus. Experts also advise against consuming raw or undercooked bushmeat.
To prevent human-to-human transmission, close physical contact with infected individuals should be avoided. Patients suspected of having Ebola should be isolated and treated in designated medical centers to prevent the virus from spreading within families or communities.
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Although the outbreak has triggered a global alert, international health officials say there is no evidence yet that the disease is spreading widely beyond the affected regions. Surveillance and monitoring efforts have been intensified to ensure that any new cases are detected quickly.
For now, health agencies around the world are watching the situation closely. Experts believe that swift containment, community awareness, and early treatment will be crucial in preventing the outbreak from turning into a larger international crisis.