“80 Dead” — WHO Raises Alarm Over Fresh Ebola Outbreak In Congo As Nigeria Tightens Surveillance

 

Fresh fears are spreading across Africa after a new outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus reportedly killed no fewer than 80 people in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak has already affected at least three health zones  Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu raising serious concerns among health authorities across the continent.

Health officials warned that the situation could become even worse due to the increasing number of suspected cases and the high positivity rate recorded from early samples.

WHO Describes Outbreak As “Extraordinary”

The World Health Organization described the outbreak as “extraordinary,” especially because the virus strain involved currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment available.

Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks linked mostly to the Zaire strain, this latest outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which experts say remains more difficult to manage medically.

Ebola is a deadly virus that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated objects, or dead bodies carrying the disease.

Symptoms include:

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Body weakness

• Diarrhoea

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• In severe cases, bleeding

Health experts say the disease can incubate for between two and 21 days before symptoms fully appear.

Nigeria Begins Monitoring Situation

Reacting to the outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said it has increased surveillance and monitoring across the country.

NCDC Director-General Jide Idris said Nigeria was working closely with Port Health Services and other stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and prevent any possible spread into the country.

According to him, Nigerians should remain calm and avoid spreading false information or panic online.

The agency advised citizens to:

• Wash hands regularly

• Avoid contact with bodily fluids

• Avoid handling dead animals or unsafe bushmeat

• Report unusual sickness quickly to health authorities

Healthcare workers were also urged to remain alert and immediately isolate any suspected Ebola case.

Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola Experience Still Remembered

Many Nigerians still remember the 2014 Ebola outbreak when an infected traveler entered Lagos from Liberia.

At the time, Nigeria gained international praise for successfully containing the virus through rapid emergency action, contact tracing, and coordinated public health response.

That experience later pushed Nigeria to improve disease surveillance, emergency response systems, and laboratory capacity.

Growing Concerns Across Africa

The latest outbreak has already triggered fresh concerns among African health agencies due to increasing movement between countries across the continent.

The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean Kaseya, said discussions were ongoing about whether the outbreak should be declared a continental public health emergency.

For now, health authorities say there is no need for panic, but Nigerians are being advised to stay informed and follow only official health updates as the situation continues to develop.

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