The head of the World Health Organization has expressed deep concern over the “scale and speed” of a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo after authorities confirmed at least 134 deaths.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the outbreak is spreading rapidly across several areas, raising fears of a wider regional health emergency.
According to international health officials, hundreds of suspected infections are now under investigation as emergency medical teams race to contain the virus through isolation measures, vaccinations and border monitoring.
Multiple international media reports said the outbreak has placed enormous pressure on Congo’s healthcare system, particularly in remote areas where access to medical treatment and testing remains limited.
Health experts warned that conflict, displacement and weak medical infrastructure could make containment efforts more difficult if the virus continues spreading at its current pace.
The WHO has urged neighboring countries to strengthen surveillance systems and prepare emergency response plans as fears grow over possible cross-border transmission.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease that can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and has caused multiple deadly outbreaks across Africa over the past decade.