A day after new cases of the Ebola virus were announced in more parts of the northeastern Congo and Uganda, the World Health Organisation declared that the virus outbreak is a global health emergency.
The agency warned that it could potentially be a much larger outbreak than what is currently being detected and reported due to new cases appearing in regions with no link to each other. They said there were uncertainties to the true number of infected persons, suspected cases, epidemiological links and the extent of the geographic spread at present.
However, it does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.
Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhano Ghebreyesus said, "After having consulted the DRC and Uganda where the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR."
The agency said that as of May 16, “eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.”
The virus seems to have also spread to the neighbouring Uganda. Two confirmed cases, one dead, were reported in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of each other. The person who died was a 59-year-old Congolese citizen. He was admitted on May 11 and died three days later.
The agency said that the new cases and deaths among health workers have raised concerns about healthcare-associated transmission, gaps in infection prevention and control measures, and the potential for amplification within health facilities.
The current strain, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not have an approved drug or vaccine.
Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash and bleeding.
Countries bordering the DR Congo are considered high risk due to trade and travel. Cross-border movement also makes it difficult to trace the contacts of infected persons.
The current outbreak was alarming to global health experts who said that reports emerged late in its development, the New York Times reported.
The WHO also asked for international coordination and cooperation to understand the extent of the outbreak.