By Swift Reporter
Health authorities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are battling to contain a growing Ebola outbreak that has claimed more than 40 confirmed lives, prompting intensified response measures from governments and international health agencies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the outbreak has resulted in 43 confirmed deaths as of Saturday, including 42 in the DRC and one in Uganda. However, health officials say the actual toll could be significantly higher, with 349 suspected Ebola-related deaths reported across the two countries.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a severe and often fatal form of the disease for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
The WHO reported a total of 272 confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda and the DRC, with 263 cases recorded in the DRC and nine in Uganda. Meanwhile, Africa CDC data indicates that more than 1,100 suspected cases remain under investigation, underscoring the scale of the public health challenge facing the region.
Health experts believe the virus originated from fruit bats and spreads to humans through contact with infected wildlife. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids and can be exacerbated by unsafe burial practices and inadequate infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities.
Efforts to contain the outbreak received a boost over the weekend when WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Bunia, the epicenter of the outbreak in the DRC’s Ituri Province.
During his visit, Tedros called for greater vigilance in preventing transmission and urged communities to avoid burial practices that involve direct contact with deceased victims. He also appealed to governments to avoid imposing travel bans and border closures, arguing that such measures can discourage transparency and hinder effective disease surveillance.
Despite the alarming figures, health officials have highlighted signs of progress. Five patients receiving treatment in Bunia have recovered from the disease, offering hope that early detection and proper medical care can improve survival rates.
“Of course we’re still working on vaccines and treatments, but that doesn’t mean that people cannot recover from Ebola,” Tedros said while opening a new Ebola treatment center in the city.
The DRC has extensive experience dealing with Ebola outbreaks, having faced 17 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in the country. Health authorities are drawing on lessons learned from previous emergencies to strengthen surveillance, treatment and community engagement efforts.
Tedros expressed confidence that the current outbreak can also be brought under control.
“The DRC has always been able to end each outbreak. That history gives me real confidence,” he said.
In Uganda, health authorities remain on high alert, working closely with international partners to strengthen screening, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing further spread of the virus.
As response efforts continue, health officials are urging communities to report suspected cases early, observe preventive measures and cooperate with surveillance teams to help stop transmission and save lives.
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