The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

The announcement comes after more than 300 suspected infections and at least 88 deaths linked to the virus were reported across the affected regions.

However, the WHO clarified that the outbreak does not amount to a pandemic emergency on the scale of COVID-19. In a statement posted on X, the organization advised countries against shutting international borders, stressing that the situation can still be contained through coordinated public health measures.

What exactly is Ebola?

Ebola is a highly contagious and often fatal disease caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, saliva, sweat, or semen from an infected person.

Health officials say the current outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments.

While Congo and Uganda have experienced more than 20 Ebola outbreaks over the years, this marks only the third recorded outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain.

According to the WHO, the purpose of its emergency declaration is to mobilize international funding, support, and quick action to stop the outbreak from getting worse.