The World Health Organisation has determined that an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a public health emergency ‘of international concern’. The 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported in the county’s eastern Ituri province does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.

However, the WHO warned that the outbreak could potentially be much larger than initial figures suggest, with a significant risk of further local and regional spread. The incident has already spread beyond DR Congo with two confirmed cases reported in neighbouring Uganda.

The latest strain of Ebola is caused by the Bundibugyo virus for which there are currently no approved drugs or vaccines.

In a statement, the WHO said its emergency committee will be meeting as soon as possible. In the meantime, DR Congo and Uganda have been issued with advice to activate their national disaster and emergency management mechanisms and have been urged to expand communication to raise community awareness in efforts to control the spread.

Countries with land borders adjoining the affected countries have also been urged to enhance their preparedness and surveillance across health facilities.

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