The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, warning of rising cross-border transmission risks and major gaps in containment.

Some 88 people have died from the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever in the DR Congo, with one death in Uganda, and at least 336 suspected cases.

Officials suspect the disease has caused 80 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo so far.