WHO Declares High National Risk As Congo Faces 16th Ebola Outbreak

The WHO intensified support for Congo after the authorities declared a fresh Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province.

Within 48 hours, the WHO airlifted 12 tonnes of protective equipment, sanitation kits, water, and clinical care to safeguard frontline health workers.

WHO Regional Director of Africa, Mohamed Janabi, emphasised they are rapidly working to ensure robust outbreak control to stop the virus from spreading.

On Sunday, health responders in Kinshasa received vaccinations from the WHO’s prepositioned stockpile before immediate deployment into rural districts.

Additionally, the WHO mobilised 10 neighbouring countries, urging stronger surveillance and rapid response capabilities to prevent cross-border Ebola spread.

For example, in Tanzania, the WHO enhanced border monitoring, while in Angola, the authorities boosted preparedness across the vulnerable Lunda Norte Province.

This marks Congo’s 16th Ebola resurgence since 1976, thereby worsening healthcare burdens amid mpox, cholera and measles.

The outbreak is currently affecting a remote rural district between Bulape and Tshikapa due to frequent population movement, heightening the risk of wider spread.

Epidemiological investigations remain underway; however, the transmission chain and sources of infection still require urgent confirmation by the authorities.

One of the Bordering countries, Uganda, declared a high alert last Friday, promising rapid risk assessment and preventive actions to block potential Ebola importation.

Previously, Congo ended an Ebola outbreak in 2022, following confirmation of one genetically linked North Kivu case.

Kasai Province previously reported an Ebola outbreak in 2007 and 2008, according to the WHO.

Ebola spreads rapidly, causing fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, generalised pain and internal and external bleeding.

Also Read: Australia’s Victory Over Chlamydia: After A Decade-Long Battle