WHO Warns of Over 500 Suspected Ebola Cases and 130 Deaths in Eastern DRC

The UN health agency says it has recorded more than 500 suspected Ebola cases and around 130 deaths in eastern DRC so far. Only 30 of these have been laboratory-confirmed as the Bundibugyo strain, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. Initial tests in Bunia failed to detect this less common strain, delaying the response. The outbreak has now spread from Ituri to North Kivu, with confirmed cases in Butembo and Goma. Uganda has also reported two imported infections. WHO has deployed over 40 health professionals and rushed extra testing kits to the region. A technical advisory group is reviewing candidate vaccines, including Ervebo, but any rollout could take two months. Officials stress that community engagement, clear health messaging and safe funeral practices are critical to containing transmission in a context of insecurity, displacement and weakened healthcare capacity.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.