The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated further, with health authorities reporting an estimated 131 deaths from 513 suspected cases.
The update comes as concern grows over the rapid spread of the virus in the country’s eastern regions, following earlier figures of 91 deaths from 350 suspected cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak an international health emergency and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the severity and cross-border risk of the situation. The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available.
In a further development, an American doctor, Dr Peter Stafford, has tested positive for Ebola while working as a medical missionary in the DRC. He was reportedly exposed while treating patients at Nyankunde Hospital. He is being evacuated to Germany for treatment, while his wife and other contacts are under monitoring.
US health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are increasing screening measures and facilitating the evacuation of high-risk citizens.
The outbreak is centred in Ituri province near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan, an area with high population movement due to mining activity. Authorities say the virus has already spread to neighbouring North Kivu province, with suspected cases reported in Butembo and Goma, a city currently under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia.
Health minister Samuel Roger Kamba warned that the figures remain provisional due to limited laboratory confirmation and reliance on suspected cases. He also noted that delayed reporting and misinformation have contributed to the spread, as some communities initially believed the illness had a mystical cause, delaying treatment.
Health officials continue efforts to contain the outbreak amid growing fears of regional spread and limited healthcare capacity in conflict-affected areas.