The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has triggered growing international concern as infections continue spreading across the country’s conflict-affected eastern provinces. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that while the national-level risk remains “very high,” the overall global risk is still considered low.

According to Congo’s health ministry, the country has recorded more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. The latest figures include 121 confirmed infections and 17 confirmed deaths, while suspected deaths have risen to 238. "There are significant uncertainties to the actual number of infected persons and geographic spread of this outbreak, with limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases,"Global Timesquoted a WHO spokesperson.

Health officials say the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or standard treatment.

Also read:Experimental Ebola Antibody MP314 May Be Congo’s Last Hope As Deadly Outbreak Spirals Across Conflict Zones

The WHO stated that the outbreak is unfolding in an extremely challenging environment marked by armed conflict, population displacement, weak healthcare systems, limited surveillance, and distrust toward authorities.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as a dangerous combination of war and infectious disease. Health experts have warned that violence in eastern Congo is disrupting critical outbreak-control measures, such as:

Volunteers raise awareness of Ebola in the camp in Bunia, Congo (Pic: AP)

Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Common Ebola symptoms include:

Because eastern Congo shares borders with several countries, health officials are increasing surveillance to prevent regional spread.

The WHO warned that Ituri province’s role as a major commercial and migration hub increases the possibility of cross-border transmission into neighbouring Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya. Uganda has reportedly ordered the closure of parts of its border with Congo following concerns about exposure among healthcare workers.

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