WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivers a speech at the opening of the 79th World Health Organization assembly in Geneva. (Photo: AFP)FABRICE COFFRINI

WHO chief is deeply concerned at speed and scale of Ebola outbreak

WHO Director-General has warned that the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda is spreading quickly. The spread into urban areas and infections among healthcare workers have heightened concern over containment.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Suspected infections in eastern Congo have crossed 500, with 131 deaths
  • Confirmed cases have also been reported in Congo and neighbouring Uganda
  • The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain and has reached urban centres

The head of the World Health Organisation has expressed alarm over the rapidly growing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa, warning that the speed and scale of infections are deeply worrying.

Speaking at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak has already led to hundreds of suspected cases and more than 130 deaths.

“I’m deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic,” Tedros said while addressing global health leaders this week.

According to figures shared by health authorities, there have been at least 516 suspected Ebola cases and 131 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Authorities have also confirmed 33 cases in Congo and two confirmed cases in neighbouring Uganda.

Tedros noted that the numbers are likely to change as field teams expand surveillance, testing and contact tracing operations.

WHAT IS EBOLA?

Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

The virus spreads through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated objects.

A staff member of the CBCA Virunga Hospital checks a visitor's temperature using a contactless infrared thermometer, before allowing her access to the hospital in Goma. The first case of Ebola virus infection was reported in Goma. (Photo: AFP)

While vaccines and experimental treatments exist for some Ebola strains, outbreaks still require rapid detection, isolation and contact tracing to stop transmission.

WHY HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE WORRIED

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a less common but dangerous form of the disease that can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.

Health officials are particularly concerned because cases have appeared in densely populated urban areas, including Goma in eastern Congo and Kampala in Uganda.

The outbreak has also affected the conflict-hit Ituri province, where insecurity can make it harder for health workers to track infections and contain transmission.

The WHO chief also warned that infections among healthcare workers suggest that the virus is spreading inside medical settings, a sign that infection control measures may not be strong enough in some hospitals and clinics.

WHO RELEASES EMERGENCY FUNDING

To support the response, the WHO has approved $3.9 million in emergency funding to help national authorities strengthen outbreak control measures.

Staff members at CBCA Virunga Hospital prepare rooms intended for possible suspected Ebola cases following official announcements in Goma. (Photo: AFP)

An emergency committee made up of international experts is also meeting to assess the situation and provide technical recommendations to the WHO.

The agency has urged affected countries to activate emergency management systems, improve surveillance and rapidly isolate suspected patients.

WHAT COUNTRIES ARE BEING ASKED TO DO

The organisation advised Congo and Uganda to strengthen contact tracing, expand laboratory testing, improve infection prevention in hospitals, train healthcare workers in the use of protective gear, and increase public awareness campaigns.

The WHO highlighted that funerals and burial ceremonies can increase Ebola transmission if proper safety measures are not followed.

The agency recommended that burials be carried out by trained personnel while still respecting cultural practices and family involvement.

A woman wearing a mask as a preventive measure enters Kyeshero Hospital after passing a checkpoint for hand washing and health screening in Goma. (Photo: AFP)

Confirmed Ebola patients and close contacts are being advised against international travel until they are medically cleared.

However, the WHO cautioned countries against shutting borders or imposing blanket travel bans.

HOW THE OUTBREAK MATTERS GLOBALLY

The latest outbreak is raising concern because of how quickly infections appear to be spreading across borders and urban centres.

The WHO said countries in neighbouring outbreak zones should immediately strengthen preparedness measures, including rapid response teams, active surveillance and access to diagnostic laboratories.

The agency also called on countries to avoid panic while remaining vigilant, stressing that early detection and coordinated public health action remain the most effective tools against Ebola outbreaks.

(With inputs from Reuters)

- Ends