Geneva, May 20 — The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that as of May 18 a total of 528 suspected Ebola cases, including 132 deaths, have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
WHO identified 668 contacts of suspected cases — 541 in the DRC and 127 in Uganda — and said follow-up remains difficult in some parts of the DRC because of insecurity and movement restrictions. The agency has declared the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a public health emergency of international concern.
In Uganda, 12 suspected cases were investigated; two were confirmed by laboratory testing and the remainder tested negative. WHO said alert management and case investigations are being intensified across affected areas.
To support the response in the DRC, 38 specialists — 20 from the DRC Ministry of Health and 18 from WHO — have been deployed from Kinshasa to Bunia. More than 17 tonnes of emergency supplies have been dispatched, including personal protective equipment, medical supplies, tents, stretchers and medicines. WHO is also expanding laboratory capacity by sending lab teams and mobile laboratories to increase local testing and diagnostic capability.
Risk communication and community engagement efforts are being scaled up to involve communities actively in prevention and response activities.
India’s Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. Senior officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other divisions have reviewed developments and initiated precautionary public health measures. The ministry said there are no reported cases in India and the current risk to the country remains minimal, but surveillance and preparedness at points of entry and within the public health system have been strengthened as a precaution.
