DR Congo: PAHO reinforces preparedness measures following WHO Ebola emergency declaration in Africa Region

Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda Source: Pan American Health Organization Washington, D.C., 18 May 2026 (PAHO) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued advice to Member States following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Africa Region. While risk to the general population remains low, PAHO calls on countries across the Americas to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control measures. On 17 May 2026, WHO declared the event a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), following the detection of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cross-border cases in Uganda, and concerns over the potential for further international spread. The determination was made in consultation with the affected States Parties. Disease caused by infection with viruses of the genus Orthoebolavirus is a severe and often fatal illness. The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, organs, or other bodily materials of infected people or animals, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding. In accordance with the advice currently in effect under the IHR 2005, PAHO reiterates that countries reinforce prevention and control measures in health care settings. These include effective triage systems to rapidly identify suspected cases, safe isolation procedures, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), training of health care personnel, safe waste management, and environmental cleaning...

Original source: Relief Web