Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – Web Desk: A deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has triggered global concern after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international health emergency due to the rapid spread of the virus.
According to health officials, the death toll in Congo has risen to 131, with 513 suspected cases reported. A neighboring case has also been confirmed in Uganda, raising fears of cross-border transmission.
Congo’s Health Ministry said the figures remain preliminary and are under investigation to confirm whether all reported deaths are directly linked to Ebola.
Health experts say a new strain of the virus has emerged in the latest outbreak, with no fully effective vaccine or definitive cure currently available.
The outbreak is centered in Ituri province in northeastern Congo, near the borders of South Sudan and Uganda. Officials warn that gold mining activity and frequent cross-border movement are accelerating the spread.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as “deeply concerning,” warning of the rapid pace of transmission during a global health briefing in Geneva.
Germany has also announced plans to transfer an infected American patient from Congo for specialized treatment, while US officials confirmed the patient contracted the virus while working in the region.
Ebola has killed more than 15,000 people across Africa over the past five decades, according to health data.
