Ebola spreads beyond Congo as deaths hit 118 and cases emerge in Uganda
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading into new regions and across borders, raising fears of a wider health crisis after the death toll climbed to 118.
Black News 
![A health worker in protective gear responds to Ebola cases in eastern DR Congo after the WHO declared the outbreak a global health emergency amid fears of wider regional spread. [Photo by John WESSELS / AFP]](https://ocdn.eu/pulscms/MDA_/51f180db561c719d6629c1ae412a584a.jpg)
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading into new regions and across borders, raising fears of a wider health crisis after the death toll climbed to 118.
- The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 118 people as infections spread into new regions and neighbouring Uganda.
- More than 390 suspected cases have been recorded, with authorities warning that the virus is spreading to densely populated urban centres, including Goma.
- The World Health Organisation has declared the Bundibugyo-strain outbreak an international health emergency amid fears of wider regional transmission.
- Health officials say cross-border movement, fragile healthcare systems and expanding infection zones are complicating efforts to contain the virus.
Health authorities say more than 390 suspected infections have now been recorded as the virus expands beyond its initial hotspots into heavily populated areas, including Goma, one of eastern Congo’s largest cities bordering Rwanda.
Officials confirmed that new infections have also been detected in Nyakunde in Ituri Province and Butembo in North Kivu, underscoring growing concerns that containment efforts are struggling to keep pace with the outbreak’s spread.
The World Health Organisation has since declared the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, an international health emergency, as neighbouring Uganda also confirmed two cases and one death linked to the same virus strain.
Congolese authorities say emergency response teams are tracing contacts, isolating those with suspected infections, and intensifying surveillance operations, while urging residents to remain calm amid mounting public anxiety.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that cross-border movement between Congo and Uganda could complicate containment measures, particularly in areas with weak healthcare infrastructure and high population mobility.
Ebola outbreaks have repeatedly affected both countries over the past two decades, but experts warn that the latest spread into densely populated urban centres could significantly increase the risk of transmission if response measures fail to contain the virus quickly.
The latest outbreak adds further pressure on regional health systems already battling limited resources, security challenges and public distrust in some affected communities.
