The World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17 declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern".
WHO said this outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, but has not met the criteria to be considered a global pandemic.
According to the United Nations health agency, as of May 10, Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo recorded 80 suspected deaths, 8 confirmed by testing and 246 suspected cases. Cases appeared in at least three health sectors including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo previously announced that 80 people had died in a new outbreak in this eastern province.
WHO also confirmed that in Uganda's capital Kampala, there were two confirmed cases, including one death. The two patients are said to be not directly related to each other and both have moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Another Ebola infection was also confirmed in the capital Kinshasa of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This person had returned from Ituri province.
WHO assesses that the emergence of cases in major cities and cross-border migration increase the risk of disease spread in the region.
