As described by Bloomberg, the WHO's decision was made after Ebola cases were confirmed in the capitals of both countries – Kampala in Uganda and Kinshasa in Congo, with a population of about 20 million. This means that the virus has spread beyond the original, remote mining region where the first infections were detected. The organization stressed that the situation meets the criteria for the highest level of alert under international health regulations, due to cross-border transmission, unexplained deaths and uncertainty about the actual scale of the epidemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the event was exceptional, pointing to the lack of approved vaccines or treatments specific to the Bundibugyo strain, the ongoing security threat in eastern Congo and evidence suggesting the epidemic may be much larger than official statistics show.
The scale of the epidemic and the spread of the virus
According to data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 16, eight laboratory cases were confirmed in Congo, 336 suspected infections and 87 suspected deaths in Ituri province. In Uganda, two cases have been confirmed in Kampala, including one death, involving travelers arriving from Congo.
Experts point out that the epidemic could have developed unnoticed for several weeks before it was detected. Initial testing revealed eight positive Ebola samples out of thirteen collected from various locations, and further unexplained deaths and suspected cases have emerged in Ituri province and neighboring North Kivu.
Danger to medical staff
At least four healthcare workers have died in circumstances consistent with hemorrhagic fever, raising concerns about the possibility of virus transmission in medical facilities. WHO emphasizes that the lack of effective protection and treatment measures increases the risk of infections among staff and patients.
The importance of the international alarm
The WHO declaration, known as PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern), aims to mobilize international financial support, coordinate activities and accelerate the crisis response. This is the first announcement of its kind since mpox was identified as a global health threat in 2024.
The authorities emphasize that the situation requires urgent action at the international level, especially in the context of the lack of approved vaccines and therapies for the Bundibugyo strain and the difficulties in monitoring the actual scale of the epidemic.
