Ebola cases in Congo, Uganda rise to 263 as death toll reaches 43

KAMPALA: The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has risen to 263, while the death toll has reached 43, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said more than 1,100 suspected cases are also under investigation as health authorities work to contain the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

Kaseya warned that the outbreak is outpacing the global response and stressed the need for rapid activation of national emergency systems and sustained investment in pandemic preparedness.

He said international partners play a vital role in the response, but their support is most effective when aligned with strategies developed by African governments and institutions.

The current outbreak is the 17th recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the third-largest since Ebola was first identified more than 50 years ago.

Health officials and aid workers say they are facing shortages of basic supplies, including masks, after the outbreak spread undetected for weeks.

The World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.