CDC Africa declares Ebola outbreak a public health emergency

Addis Ababa (ANTARA) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Africa on Monday (18/5) declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of continental concern. The official designation came after around 395 suspected cases and 106 related deaths were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the Mongwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia health zones of the country, as well as in Kampala, Uganda, where two cases and one death were reported, according to the latest data from CDC Africa. The agency also warned that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which to date has no vaccine specific to that strain, and carries a high risk of regional spread. Director-General of CDC Africa Jean Kaseya said the designation will help strengthen regional coordination, mobilise emergency resources, and accelerate preparedness efforts in neighbouring countries at risk of transmission. CDC Africa warned that high cross-border mobility, unstable security conditions in affected areas, and weak infection control measures may increase the risk of regional spread. “Confirmation of Bundibugyo Ebola virus in interconnected countries reminds us that Africa’s health security cannot be separated,” Kaseya said, adding that the agency has deployed an emergency response team to support outbreak response.