The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa an international public health emergency Sunday. The declaration follows 80 suspected deaths and 246 suspected cases across three health zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. Eight cases have been laboratory-confirmed.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, not the Ebola Zaire strain. Unlike past strains, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain. Two unrelated confirmed cases were reported in Kampala, Uganda, including one death. Another case was reported in Kinshasa.
The WHO warned the outbreak could be larger than reported due to high positivity rates. It urged nations to activate emergency management and cross-border screening. No border closures or travel restrictions are recommended. The WHO has released $500,000 in emergency funding. Congo has now recorded 17 Ebola outbreaks since 1976.