The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday reported that 528 suspected Ebola cases, including 132 deaths, have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda till May 18.
According to WHO, 668 contacts have been identified, with 541 in DR Congo and 127 in Uganda. However, monitoring contacts in some parts of DR Congo remains difficult because of insecurity and movement restrictions.
The United Nations health agency had declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus a public health emergency of international concern. In Uganda, WHO said two out of 12 suspected cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, while the remaining samples tested negative.
WHO stated that alert management and investigations are being intensified in affected regions. In DR Congo, 38 experts have been deployed to support response efforts, while over 17 tons of emergency medical supplies have been sent to the country.
The organisation is also expanding laboratory capacity and increasing community engagement activities.
Meanwhile, India’s Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. Officials confirmed that no Ebola case has been reported in India, and the current risk remains minimal, though precautionary surveillance measures have been strengthened.
