Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda Declared Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a 'public health emergency of international concern.'

Although the Bundibugyo virus does not meet pandemic emergency criteria, the WHO warned of high risk in bordering countries, with 80 suspected deaths, eight confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases reported in DRC's Ituri province.

The outbreak, described as 'extraordinary' due to lack of specific treatments or vaccines, risks international spread. WHO advised isolating cases and daily monitoring of contacts while discouraging border closures to prevent unmonitored crossings.

(With inputs from agencies.)