The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, announced the decision on Sunday. He said the declaration became necessary because of the increase in infections, the spread across borders and uncertainty surrounding the actual scale of the outbreak.
Despite the development, the global health body clarified that the situation has not reached the level required to classify it as a pandemic emergency under the WHO International Health Regulations.
WHO said it is working closely with regional governments and other partners to strengthen efforts aimed at containing the virus. The organisation noted that both confirmed and suspected infections have been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
Latest figures released by health authorities showed that as of May 16, Ituri Province in eastern DRC had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections and 80 suspected deaths.
Authorities also confirmed cases in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, as well as in neighbouring Uganda. Reports indicated that two infected persons crossed into Uganda from DRC and were placed in intensive care.
WHO stated that the outbreak could be wider than currently known. The agency pointed to several unexplained deaths, high positivity rates among tested samples and gaps in knowledge about how the virus is spreading.
The organisation, however, said there is no need for restrictions on international travel or trade at this stage. It urged countries to strengthen disease surveillance, improve emergency preparedness and provide accurate information to the public.
WHO also advised authorities in DRC and Uganda to activate emergency response systems, intensify contact tracing, expand laboratory testing and improve treatment facilities.
The agency further disclosed that there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. It called for faster research efforts and clinical trials, adding that an Emergency Committee would meet to provide additional recommendations.
