Global alert over Bundibugyo Ebola as WHO raises international concern

The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern over the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak spanning the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, as cases and suspected deaths rise and there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. In DRC’s Ituri province there are at least 80 suspected deaths, 8 lab-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases, with Uganda reporting two lab-confirmed cases and one death; a reported Kinshasa case was later ruled negative. The Bundibugyo strain is thought to have a fatality rate around 25–40%, and health authorities are scaling up responses and coordinating international action, including an emergency committee meeting to discuss next steps.