Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda Declared a Global Health Emergency

Congo's Health Minister Reports 131 Ebola-Related Deaths and 513 Suspected Cases

The Minister of Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that estimates indicate 131 deaths due to Ebola, out of a total of 513 suspected cases of infection with the virus.

This announcement comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to the spread of the Ebola virus in the DRC and Uganda.

As of Sunday, reports indicated 88 deaths and 300 suspected cases in the DRC, in addition to one death and one suspected case in Uganda.

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

The WHO has clarified that Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has decided that the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and Uganda constitutes a global health emergency, but does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.

The WHO has emphasized that the purpose of this declaration is to put neighboring countries on high alert and mobilize international community support.

Key Statistics

• 131 deaths due to Ebola in the DRC
• 513 suspected cases of Ebola infection in the DRC
• 88 deaths and 300 suspected cases in the DRC as of Sunday
• 1 death and 1 suspected case in Uganda
• WHO declares global health emergency due to Ebola spread in the DRC and Uganda