What is Ebola and why is this outbreak a global concern?

According to a report by the BBC, a recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO), highlighting both its severity and the complexity of containing it.

Ebola is a rare but highly lethal viral disease that typically originates in animals, particularly fruit bats, and spreads to humans through contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms usually appear within two to 21 days and begin with flu-like signs such as fever, fatigue, and headache before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, organ failure and bleeding.

What makes this outbreak particularly challenging is the involvement of the Bundibugyo strain — a rare variant not seen for more than a decade. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for Bundibugyo, complicating both detection and response efforts. Early diagnostic tests initially failed because they were designed to detect more common strains.

The outbreak is further exacerbated by its location in eastern DRC, a region affected by armed conflict and mass displacement. With hundreds of thousands of people on the move and porous borders, tracking infections and containing transmission becomes significantly more difficult.

The first known case, a nurse who developed symptoms in late April, suggests that the virus had already been spreading undetected for weeks. Health officials believe funeral practices contributed to early transmission, as close contact with bodies remains a known risk factor. Cultural beliefs also played a role, with some communities attributing the illness to supernatural causes and seeking help outside formal healthcare systems.

Cases have been concentrated in Ituri province, particularly in mining towns such as Mongwalu and Rwampara, as well as the regional capital, Bunia. A confirmed case has also emerged in Goma, a major city under rebel control, raising concerns about wider spread. Cross-border infections have already been reported in Uganda.

Despite these challenges, international and local responses are underway. The WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, and national health authorities are deploying medical teams, setting up treatment centres, and conducting public awareness campaigns focused on hygiene, safe burial practices, and early reporting of symptoms.

Neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, have strengthened border screening and taken precautionary measures such as restricting movement and postponing large gatherings.

While the WHO’s emergency declaration underscores the seriousness of the situation, experts emphasise that the risk of a global pandemic remains low. However, the outbreak illustrates how fragile health systems, conflict, and misinformation can amplify the impact of infectious diseases.

By Tamilla Hasanova