The number of confirmed Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has increased to 263, while the death toll has risen to 43. More than 1,100 suspected cases remain under investigation as health authorities intensify efforts to control the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain.
Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the outbreak is advancing faster than the global response. He emphasized the urgent need for swift activation of national emergency protocols and continuous investment in pandemic preparedness to effectively manage the crisis.
In a significant development, Kaseya noted that international assistance is crucial but achieves the greatest impact when coordinated with strategies formulated by African governments and regional institutions. This outbreak marks the 17th Ebola occurrence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is the third-largest since the virus was first identified over five decades ago.
Health workers and aid organizations are currently facing shortages of essential supplies, including protective masks, as the virus spread undetected for several weeks. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has officially declared the Ebola outbreak in both countries a public health emergency of international concern, underscoring the severity of the situation.
