The World Health Organization is rapidly expanding emergency operations to contain a new Ebola outbreak in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that the situation is especially dangerous due to insecurity, large population movements, and the absence of an approved vaccine for the virus strain involved.
Within 72 hours of officially declaring the outbreak, WHO said it had already delivered 11.5 tonnes of emergency medical supplies to affected areas and deployed more than 35 health experts and emergency responders to support local authorities.
The emergency shipments include protective equipment, medical kits, sanitation supplies, and temporary treatment tents aimed at strengthening the region’s fragile healthcare response.
Health officials say the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment, making prevention and rapid containment measures critically important.
The outbreak is unfolding in a highly challenging environment marked by armed insecurity, intense cross-border trade, mining activity, refugee movements, and crowded communities — factors that increase the risk of rapid transmission across the region.
WHO has urged communities to follow strict preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene, early reporting of symptoms, rapid medical treatment, and cooperation with health authorities.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and can cause severe fever, internal bleeding, and high fatality rates if not quickly contained.
WHO said it is coordinating closely with governments, airlines, humanitarian organisations, and international partners to prevent further spread and save lives as emergency response efforts continue across the affected region.
