Is a rare Ebola outbreak spreading beyond control in Congo and Uganda?

Nigeria: A rare outbreak of the Ebola virus has been reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with health authorities warning that cases are increasing faster than response efforts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern, as officials race to contain the spread of the disease.

Cases rising in Congo and Uganda

According to health authorities, Congo has reported 134 confirmed cases, including 17 deaths, while neighbouring Uganda has recorded nine confirmed cases and one death. The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.

What makes this strain different

The Bundibugyo virus is one of the less common Ebola variants and differs from the more widely known Zaire strain responsible for previous major outbreaks in Central Africa.

Experts say its fatality rate is estimated to range between 30% and 50%, making it a serious public health threat. Health officials say response efforts are being hampered by ongoing conflict, displacement of communities and difficult terrain in eastern Congo.

The outbreak region is affected by armed rebel activity, poor infrastructure and limited access to healthcare facilities, making containment efforts more difficult. Authorities initially tested for more common Ebola strains, which delayed confirmation of the Bundibugyo virus outbreak.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention later confirmed the outbreak after cases were detected in late April in the Ituri province region.

Global response underway

International agencies, including WHO, UNICEF, the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, are supporting containment and treatment efforts. However, aid agencies have warned that the response is not keeping pace with the spread of the outbreak, calling for faster deployment of resources and expanded testing.

A WHO technical group is reviewing potential vaccine candidates, although experts caution that clinical trials and deployment will take time. Funding challenges remain a major concern, especially following reductions in international aid to African health programmes in recent years.

While WHO has declared a public health emergency, it has not recommended international travel restrictions, stating that the outbreak does not yet meet pandemic-level criteria.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.