WHO Raises Alarm as Bundibugyo Ebola Death Toll Hits 454, Outbreak Spreads in Congo
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over a rapidly escalating outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). This deadly Ebola strain has killed 454 people and infected 1,481 others in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, fuelling fears of a broader regional health crisis.
WHO said the outbreak, driven by sustained transmission in Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern provinces, was evolving rapidly and posed 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.”
