The World Health Organization has intensified emergency operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after authorities confirmed 136 deaths and about 543 suspected Ebola cases linked to the deadly Bundibugyo strain.<\/p>\n
Congo\u2019s Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said international medical teams and emergency supplies were being deployed to contain the rapidly spreading outbreak, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.<\/p>\n
The WHO has delivered 12 tonnes of emergency medical supplies to Bunia in Ituri province, the centre of the outbreak near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan.<\/p>\n
The shipment included protective equipment, infection prevention kits, medical tents and supplies for frontline health workers responding to the crisis.<\/p>\n
More than 40 international medical experts also arrived in Bunia on May 19 to strengthen emergency operations.<\/p>\n
Footage released by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) showed additional emergency materials being unloaded as humanitarian agencies expanded containment efforts across affected communities.<\/p>\n
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the United Nations health agency was \u201cdeeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic\u201d, warning that the outbreak could continue for months.<\/p>\n
The WHO has already declared the outbreak an international public health emergency.<\/p>\n
Health officials say the Bundibugyo strain, first identified in Uganda in 2007 and later in DR Congo in 2012, carries a mortality rate of between 30 and 50 percent.<\/p>\n
WHO representative Anne Ancia said a vaccine candidate known as Ervebo was under consideration, although it may take at least two months before becoming available for deployment.<\/p>\n
Authorities say insecurity and armed conflict across eastern Congo are severely complicating response efforts.<\/p>\n
Medical staff at Rwampara hospital in Ituri province reported shortages of protective equipment and inadequate isolation facilities for patients.<\/p>\n
The outbreak has spread beyond Ituri into neighbouring provinces, including North Kivu, where suspected infections have been reported in Butembo and a confirmed Ebola case recorded in Goma.<\/p>\n
Goma remains under the control of M23 fighters, prompting Congolese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege to urge the Rwanda-backed group to reopen the city\u2019s airport to support humanitarian operations.<\/p>\n
Regional and international concern has continued to grow as Uganda confirmed two Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who crossed the border.<\/p>\n
Germany is also preparing to receive an American doctor infected while working in the outbreak zone.<\/p>\n
The United States has introduced airport screening measures for travellers arriving from affected regions and temporarily suspended visa services linked to the outbreak.<\/p>\n
Washington has further advised citizens against travel to DR Congo, South Sudan and Uganda, while urging caution for travel to Rwanda.<\/p>\n
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States had released 13 million dollars in emergency support and hoped to establish about 50 Ebola treatment clinics across DR Congo.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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