The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following the outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The agency said the decision was taken because of the growing spread of the disease, rising risk of international transmission, and the urgent need for a coordinated global response.
WHO disclosed that eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths have been recorded in Ituri Province of the DRC across the health zones of Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.
The organisation also confirmed two Ebola cases in Uganda, including one death, involving travellers from the DRC who were admitted to intensive care units in Kampala.
Amid fears of further spread, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures nationwide.
Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, assured Nigerians that no Ebola case has been confirmed in the country, adding that health authorities are closely monitoring developments in partnership with the Port Health Service and other stakeholders.
WHO revealed that another confirmed Ebola case was detected in Kinshasa after the patient recently returned from Ituri Province.
The agency also reported unusual clusters of community deaths with symptoms linked to the virus in several parts of Ituri and North Kivu provinces, raising fears that the outbreak may be spreading silently across communities.
The global health body further raised concerns over the deaths of at least four healthcare workers in suspected virus-related incidents, warning that weak infection prevention measures could be fuelling transmission within health facilities.
WHO commended authorities in the DRC and Uganda for stepping up surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, and public awareness efforts to contain the deadly outbreak.