WHO Raises Alarm Over Rapid Ebola Spread as Countries Strengthen Global Surveillance Measures
The World Health Organisation has voiced serious concern over the growing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, warning that the disease is spreading at an alarming pace.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation is closely monitoring the evolving situation as the number of infections and deaths continues to rise.
Addressing members of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Dr Tedros said he was “deeply concerned” about both the scale and speed of the outbreak.
He noted that the figures are expected to change rapidly as health teams intensify surveillance, contact tracing and laboratory testing efforts on the ground.
The outbreak has also spread beyond the borders of its origin country. In a confirmed international case, an American citizen contracted Ebola after being exposed to the virus while working in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In response to the escalating situation in Congo and neighbouring Uganda, the United States has introduced additional travel screening and monitoring measures.
According to WHO data, more than 500 suspected cases and over 130 suspected deaths have been reported across Congo and Uganda.
Health authorities in Congo have recorded 516 suspected cases, including 33 confirmed infections, while Uganda has confirmed two cases so far. The current reported death toll stands at 131.
In India, the Health Ministry has reviewed the situation as a precautionary measure, even though no Ebola case has been detected in the country so far.
Officials have stated that the present risk to India remains low, but preparedness efforts are being strengthened to prevent any possible outbreak.
Authorities said surveillance systems at airports, ports and other entry points are being reinforced.
Senior officials from the National Centre for Disease Control, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Indian Council of Medical Research participated in a high-level review meeting to assess preparedness and response strategies.
Public health experts have stressed that although Ebola does not spread through the air like Covid-19 or influenza, it can still spread rapidly through close physical contact and delayed diagnosis.
They emphasised that early detection, isolation and contact tracing are critical to controlling the outbreak.
As part of preparedness planning, officials reviewed standard operating procedures related to screening, surveillance, quarantine and treatment of suspected cases.
Laboratory readiness was also discussed, with the National Institute of Virology Pune designated as a primary testing centre, while more laboratories are expected to be added in phases.
Isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and seaports are also being identified and upgraded.
India’s health surveillance system remains on high alert due to its previous experience in handling infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, Nipah virus infection and Mpox.
Officials said existing protocols for rapid response, contact tracing and laboratory testing are being actively reviewed and updated.
The Health Ministry is also coordinating with immigration authorities and other government agencies to closely monitor international travel from affected regions.
Passenger travel histories and information-sharing mechanisms with airport health officials are being strengthened as part of the precautionary strategy.
During the World Health Assembly meeting, Dr Tedros identified several major concerns linked to the outbreak.
These include the risk of the virus spreading to densely populated urban centres such as Kampala and Goma, ongoing violence and instability in Congo’s Ituri province, infections among healthcare workers and large-scale population movement across porous international borders.
Health experts have also pointed out challenges related to vaccination. Most currently approved Ebola vaccines are designed to protect against the Zaire ebolavirus strain and may not offer full protection against the Bundibugyo or Sudan strains.
In addition, vaccines generally require 10 to 14 days to build strong immunity, meaning individuals exposed shortly before or after vaccination can still develop the disease.
According to the WHO, no Ebola vaccine offers complete protection. However, vaccination significantly lowers the risk of severe illness and death.
Experts explained that if a person is already carrying the virus before receiving the vaccine, the disease may still develop despite immunisation.
Ebola is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease caused by viruses belonging to the Orthoebolavirus family.
It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, tears, faeces and breast milk.
The virus can also spread through contaminated surfaces or contact with the bodies of people who have died from the infection.
Early symptoms of Ebola often resemble common viral illnesses and include fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain and joint aches.
However, one of the most serious and distinguishing symptoms of the disease is unexplained internal or external bleeding, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
