File: Medical staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) transport a patient at the hospital in Rwampara on May 21, 2026. Photo by Seros MUYISA / AFP.
By Chioma Obinna
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a rapidly escalating outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a deadly Ebola strain, which has killed 454 people and infected 1,481 others in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and France, fuelling fears of a broader regional health crisis.
WHO said the outbreak, driven by sustained transmission in Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern provinces, is evolving rapidly and poses a severe threat to neighbouring countries due to cross-border movement, fragile health systems and humanitarian crises.
According to the update, “As of July 1, Congo had recorded 1,460 confirmed infections and 452 deaths, with health officials warning that the disease continues to spread into new health zones.”
