New Delhi, May 18 (H.S.): The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). However, the organization clarified that the outbreak has not yet been classified as a global pandemic.

According to a statement issued by the WHO, as of May 16, eight confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in the Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu regions of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, 246 suspected cases have been identified, while 80 suspected deaths have been recorded.

Meanwhile, in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, two new cases were reported within the past 24 hours, including one fatality. Both infected individuals had recently returned from travel to Congo.

The WHO expressed concern that there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine available for the Bundibugyo virus strain. The organization noted that the deaths of healthcare workers, ongoing security challenges, and large-scale population movement in the affected regions are increasing the risk of rapid transmission.

In response to the evolving situation, the WHO has issued several key recommendations for Congo, Uganda, and neighboring countries. These include activating national disaster management mechanisms, establishing emergency operations centers, tracing contacts of infected individuals, and strengthening laboratory testing capacity.

The organization has also directed that confirmed Ebola patients should not be permitted to travel until they have fully recovered and tested negative twice. Individuals who have come into contact with infected persons have been advised to avoid international travel for 21 days.

Additionally, the WHO has recommended mandatory fever screening at airports and border checkpoints, while urging that the burial of deceased patients be carried out only by trained personnel under strict safety protocols.

The WHO clarified that the current situation does not yet fully meet the criteria for declaring a pandemic under the International Health Regulations (2005).

The organization has urged countries not to close their borders or impose restrictions on travel and trade at this stage. According to the WHO, such restrictions often force people to travel through informal routes, which could further increase the spread of infection.

The WHO also appealed to all countries to provide citizens and travelers with accurate, scientific information regarding the Bundibugyo virus, its associated risks, and preventive measures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar