Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda Declared Public Health Emergency
The Director-General of the World Health Organization has declared the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This declaration follows assessment of extraordinary circumstances, including case reports in urban centers and among healthcare workers, as well as documented international spread to Uganda. The WHO is convening an Emergency Committee to advise on temporary recommendations for States Parties to respond to the event. The advice emphasizes coordinated national responses, strengthened surveillance, infection prevention, risk communication, and border health measures, while cautioning against unnecessary travel and trade restrictions.
John Q. Hosedrinker