Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda prompts WHO alert and EU aid boost

The World Health Organization warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda may be larger than officially reported. WHO officials said the virus, the Bundibugyo strain, has likely been circulating since January, with the first confirmed case detected in April, and noted the absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment. They highlighted gaps in contact‑tracing due to security concerns, population movement and mistrust of health workers, and stressed the need for early diagnosis, monitoring and supportive care.

In response, the European Union announced a €15 million humanitarian package to support the response, including €5 million earmarked for the WHO. The EU will also deliver 100 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to eastern DRC via an air‑bridge operation, aiming to strengthen surveillance, infection control and community engagement and to improve regional preparedness for future health emergencies.