\n
The decision, announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus on Sunday, follows reports of both confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While the situation is serious, it does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency under the WHO\u2019s International Health Regulations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As of 16 May, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC.<\/p>\n
Cases have also been confirmed in the capital, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, where two infected individuals travelled from DRC and were admitted to intensive care.\u00a0<\/p>\n
WHO warned that the outbreak is likely larger than currently detected, pointing to clusters of unexplained deaths, a high positivity rate among tested samples and limited understanding of transmission patterns. At least four deaths among healthcare workers have also raised concerns over infection prevention measures in health facilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The agency stressed that the outbreak poses a risk to neighbouring countries due to high population mobility, trade links and ongoing humanitarian challenges in affected regions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
No international travel restrictions needed<\/h2>\n
Despite the risks, WHO does not recommend restrictions on international travel or trade. Instead, it urged countries to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and community engagement, while ensuring accurate public information.<\/p>\n
Authorities in DRC and Uganda have been advised to activate emergency response mechanisms, enhance contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention and scale up treatment capacity.<\/p>\n
Community engagement, including working with local and religious leaders, is also considered critical to controlling the outbreak.\u00a0<\/p>\n
WHO highlighted that no approved vaccines or specific treatments currently exist for the Bundibugyo strain, underscoring the importance of accelerating research and clinical trials.\u00a0<\/p>\n
An Emergency Committee will be convened to provide further recommendations, as global health authorities step up efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent wider spread.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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