WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo an International Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the surge of Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo an international health emergency, citing the scale and speed of the outbreak. With 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases reported, the rare strain is spreading in difficult-to-access areas, limiting laboratory testing. Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba confirmed the figures on national television, noting that not all community deaths are necessarily linked to Ebola. An emergency meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.
Key facts
- WHO declared Ebola outbreak an international health emergency
- 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases reported
- Outbreak concentrated in eastern DR Congo
- Rare Ebola strain spreading
- Few samples laboratory-tested due to difficult access
- Figures based mostly on suspected cases
- Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba announced on national television
- Emergency meeting called for Tuesday
Entities
Institutions
- World Health Organization
- Congolese Health Ministry
Locations
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- eastern DR Congo