Africa CDC Declares Continental Emergency as Ebola Death Toll Hits 106

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security following a sharp rise in infections and deaths.

According to the agency, the outbreak has so far resulted in 395 suspected cases and 106 deaths across affected areas.

Most of the reported infections are concentrated in the DRC’s Mongwalu, Rwampara and Bunia regions, while Uganda has confirmed two cases and one death in the capital, Kampala.

Africa CDC said the emergency declaration gives the agency greater authority to coordinate response efforts across the continent and mobilise urgent support for affected countries.

Health officials warned that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, heightening concerns over the potential spread of the disease.

The agency also raised alarm over increasing cross-border movement and insecurity in affected regions, factors experts say could complicate containment efforts and increase the risk of regional transmission.

Director-General of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, confirmed that emergency response teams have already been deployed to support containment operations.

He added that the agency is working closely with the World Health Organization to strengthen surveillance systems, preparedness measures and rapid response mechanisms in neighboring countries.

Public health experts have called for urgent international support, warning that delayed intervention could worsen the outbreak and place fragile healthcare systems under severe pressure.