Ebola outbreak in Congo spreads beyond epicenter

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday that the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the fastest‑growing on record, is spreading beyond its original epicenter in the Ituri province. Health officials reported that the number of confirmed cases has surged in recent weeks, prompting the agency to urge neighboring provinces to heighten surveillance and prepare treatment facilities.

According to WHO data, the outbreak now involves more than 200 suspected and confirmed cases, with clusters emerging in the Uvira and Beni districts. The virus, belonging to the Sudan strain, has already infected health workers and community members in these areas, raising concerns about further transmission across provincial borders. In response, the organization has deployed additional rapid diagnostic kits, expanded contact tracing teams, and intensified public health messaging to curb spread.

WHO’s statement emphasized that early detection and isolation remain critical to contain the epidemic. The agency called on national authorities to strengthen border controls and ensure adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. While the international community continues to monitor the situation, the rapid expansion of the outbreak underscores the need for sustained vigilance and swift intervention to prevent a broader regional crisis.