WHO says Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to two new health zones

The World Health Organization announced on Friday that the Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has extended to two new health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising the total number of affected zones to 63 across seven provinces. The new zones are Bulu in Sud Ubangi province and Dungu in Haut-Uele province, which shares a border with South Sudan.

As of September 23, the country had reported a total of 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths, according to the WHO. However, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, highlighted that conflict and population displacement were complicating efforts to reach affected communities and trace individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

He emphasized that restricted access could result in untraced contacts and increased transmission risks due to displacement and overcrowding. While cases are generally declining, Tedros noted that contact tracing, safe burials, and community engagement had improved, but transmission remained uneven across the affected areas. The absence of approved vaccines and treatments for the Bundibugyo strain is further complicating the response, potentially discouraging people from seeking care at treatment centers.

The WHO is working to expedite clinical trials for vaccines and treatments. Tedros also raised concerns about the risk of future global health emergencies, urging countries to enhance pandemic preparedness. He stressed that while Ebola would not constitute a pandemic, a respiratory pathogen could become one, and urged preparedness before such an event occurs.

The World Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement in May 2025 to bolster global prevention, preparedness, and response to future pandemics. Tedros criticized the false claims surrounding the agreement, asserting that it was not a power grab that cedes sovereignty to the WHO.