NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following rising infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The decision comes amid concerns over cross-border transmission and the growing number of suspected cases linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

According to WHO, the outbreak has primarily affected the Ituri province in eastern DRC, where health authorities have reported confirmed infections, suspected cases and multiple deaths. Uganda has also confirmed Ebola cases involving travellers arriving from the DRC, raising fears of wider regional spread. However, WHO clarified that the situation does not currently meet the criteria for a global pandemic emergency.

Health experts have expressed concern because the Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. International agencies are urging countries to strengthen disease surveillance, testing, contact tracing and emergency preparedness to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission