WHO Warns Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Unlikely to End in Next Two Months

The World Health Organization has warned that the Ebola outbreak spreading through eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is unlikely to be contained within the next two months, with the agency’s chief expressing deep concern over the scale and speed of the epidemic.

The outbreak has claimed at least 134 lives so far. The number of confirmed deaths has spiked amid challenges in detection, as the contagion spread undetected for weeks. This particular strain of the virus is rare and was not picked up by tests designed for more common Ebola variants. Patient zero has still not been identified.

Beyond confirmed cases, there are more than 500 suspected cases and around 130 suspected deaths. These figures are expected to change as field operations scale up.

The World Health Organization’s chief said he is “deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic.” Experts have highlighted that this is the Bundibugyo strain, with only a couple of historical outbreaks recorded, meaning health authorities have less experience managing it. One specialist noted: “Our concern about this outbreak is pretty high… The potential for this to be a very challenging outbreak is very real.”

The epicenter is located in the northeast of the DRC, on the border with Uganda and South Sudan. The outbreak prompted neighboring Rwanda to tighten border controls, with officials monitoring travelers for symptoms and implementing preparedness measures.

The WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern and is calling for more coordinated responses while deploying resources to affected provinces. Officials are examining whether existing vaccines or treatments could prove effective against this strain in what is likely to become a lengthy outbreak.

Disease control experts have identified community behaviors as a significant hurdle. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including during vomiting or contact with stools, making early patient isolation and identification critical to prevent further spread.

Even after death, the body can continue transmitting the virus. Cultural practices in some areas, such as touching corpses or taking photos during funerals, pose additional risks. Experts stress the importance of safe and secure burials, along with urging individuals showing symptoms to report early to health facilities for timely treatment.

The WHO continues to scale up operations in the region as it works to contain the outbreak.