World Health Organization Warns Ebola Outbreak Spreading Rapidly in Congo and Uganda

The World Health Organization has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading rapidly, with the virus now confirmed to have crossed into neighbouring Uganda. The agency said health authorities in both countries are intensifying containment and response operations to halt further transmission.

The spread to Uganda marks a dangerous escalation, raising fears of cross-border contagion in a densely populated region of central and east Africa. Ebola, a viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people and animals, carries a high fatality rate and requires rapid isolation of cases and tracing of contacts to bring under control.

WHO said response teams are being deployed to affected areas to support surveillance, case management and the protection of frontline health workers, who are among the most exposed during outbreaks. The organisation has historically coordinated ring-vaccination campaigns and emergency logistics in past Congolese Ebola epidemics.

The warning underlines the strain on already fragile health systems in the region. International partners are expected to scale up funding and medical support as the outbreak widens.