Overview
- Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo said Tuesday the outbreak has 131 reported deaths and more than 500 suspected cases, with the WHO confirming 30 infections in Ituri province.
- The virus has moved beyond the Ituri epicenter, with confirmed cases reported in Kinshasa, Goma, and Butembo in eastern DRC, as well as two confirmed cases in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
- WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday to mobilize a global response and urged countries not to close borders.
- U.S. authorities tightened travel entry rules Monday for recent travelers from the region, while one American in DRC tested positive and several exposed citizens are being moved to Germany for care and monitoring.
- No approved vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo species, and conflict, militia control, and mining-linked movement in eastern DRC are hampering surveillance, contact tracing, and safe care.