The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading into new regions and across borders, raising fears of a wider health crisis after the death toll climbed to 118.
Health authorities say more than 390 suspected infections have now been recorded as the virus expands beyond its initial hotspots into heavily populated areas, including Goma, one of eastern Congo’s largest cities bordering Rwanda.
Officials confirmed that new infections have also been detected in Nyakunde in Ituri Province and Butembo in North Kivu, underscoring growing concerns that containment efforts are struggling to keep pace with the outbreak’s spread.
The World Health Organisation has since declared the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, an international health emergency, as neighbouring Uganda also confirmed two cases and one death linked to the same virus strain.
Congolese authorities say emergency response teams are tracing contacts, isolating those with suspected infections, and intensifying surveillance operations, while urging residents to remain calm amid mounting public anxiety.
