World Health Organization: Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda “a public health emergency of international concern”

This was stated in the decision issued by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, based on: International health regulationsAfter consultation with States Parties in whose territory the health event is known to occur.

The World Health Organization said that the event is exceptional for a number of reasons, including that:

⬅️ As of 16 May, eight laboratory confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

⬅️ Two laboratory-confirmed cases (one of them a death) were reported in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, with no apparent link between them.

⬅️ Unusual clusters of community deaths – with symptoms consistent with Bundibugyo virus disease – have been reported in several health zones in Ituri District.

⬅️ At least four deaths among healthcare workers have been reported within the affected area.

⬅️ There is great uncertainty surrounding the true number of people infected and the geographic scope associated with this event at this time.

⬅️ The high rate of positive results in initial samples collected, confirmation of cases in Kampala, and clusters of deaths across Ituri District all indicate that the outbreak is likely to be much broader than currently being monitored and reported.

The organization said that this event represents a public health threat to other states parties, through the international spread of the disease, stressing that it requires international coordination and cooperation to understand the extent of the disease outbreak, to coordinate monitoring, prevention and response efforts, to expand and enhance the scope of operations, and to ensure the ability to implement control measures.