Ebola Outbreak Declared Continental Emergency as Death Toll Surges in DR Congo – WHO Raises Alarm
May 2026 | By Azad News
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised serious concern over the rapid spread of Ebola in Central Africa, as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been officially declared a continental public health emergency.
Health officials report that the death toll has risen to an estimated 131 deaths from around 513 suspected cases, although authorities say the figures are still under verification.
One additional death has also been reported in neighbouring Uganda, increasing fears of cross-border transmission of the deadly virus.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that he is “deeply concerned” about the scale and speed of the outbreak, warning that the situation is developing rapidly across multiple regions.
The outbreak is centered in northeastern Ituri province, a region bordering Uganda and South Sudan, known for mining activity and frequent cross-border movement of people.
Cases have already spread to several areas including Butembo in North Kivu province and Goma, raising concerns about wider regional transmission.
Health authorities say the outbreak worsened due to delayed reporting and misinformation, as many communities initially believed the disease was linked to spiritual or mystical causes.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has activated emergency response measures, including deployment of teams and enhanced cross-border surveillance to contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, Germany has confirmed preparations to treat a US citizen infected with Ebola in the DRC, highlighting growing international involvement in the crisis response.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the patient contracted the virus through work-related exposure and tested positive after returning from the affected region.
Conclusion
The Ebola outbreak in Central Africa continues to escalate, with WHO and Africa CDC urging urgent international coordination to prevent further spread and contain the virus before it becomes a wider global health threat.
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