Bundibugyo Ebola spreads to 3 countries, WHO urges stronger regional response 

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has spread across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria, requiring strengthened regional surveillance and coordinated response efforts.

The organisation said in a statement that as of Oct. 20, the DRC had recorded 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths, representing a crude case fatality ratio of 48.3 per cent across 66 health zones in eight provinces.

The WHO said transmission remained high in the DRC, while deaths occurring within communities highlighted persistent challenges in early detection and timely access to appropriate medical care.

“Of the 482 deaths recorded since the previous update on Oct. 8, 307 occurred in communities, while 175 were reported in treatment centres.

“Kenya has reported nine Bundibugyo virus disease cases, including one death, following confirmation of its first imported case on Oct. 6, involving an individual who travelled from the DRC through Uganda.

“The eight additional cases in Kenya were identified as known contacts of the initial imported case, with no evidence of wider community transmission reported as of Oct. 20, 2026.

“Nigeria also confirmed an imported case on Oct. 20 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, involving a patient who had travelled from Uganda and was receiving medical care in isolation,” it said.

It said investigations were continuing to establish the patient’s complete travel history and possible source of exposure, while regional authorities were urged to maintain preparedness and strengthen cross-border surveillance.

It emphasised the importance of monitoring points of entry, detecting cases promptly and coordinating preparedness and response measures across affected and at-risk countries to contain further spread of the disease.

The WHO advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on affected countries, emphasising the importance of sustained public health measures and regional cooperation in responding to the outbreak.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru