US citizens evacuated from DR Congo as WHO declares Ebola international emergency

The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, citing 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths. The agency warned that the situation in the eastern Ituri province could represent a significantly larger outbreak than currently detected, with substantial risks of local and regional transmission.

At least six American citizens have been exposed to the virus during the crisis, with one individual reportedly exhibiting symptoms. According to health news site STAT, three of the exposed individuals faced high-risk contact. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it is supporting the safe withdrawal of a small number of directly affected Americans, though it declined to provide specific details regarding the number of citizens or their status during a press conference on Sunday.

Reports indicate the US government is arranging transport for the group to a secure quarantine location, potentially a US military base in Germany, although this has not been officially confirmed. The US maintains a Level Four travel advisory, its most severe level, for the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning against all travel to the region.

The current outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain for which there are no approved drugs or vaccines. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, urged strict adherence to public health measures, particularly regarding the handling of deceased individuals. He highlighted that community funerals, where families wash bodies, were a major driver of transmission during the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic, which infected more than 28,600 people and killed 11,325.

Regional authorities are implementing precautionary measures as the virus crosses borders. Neighbouring Uganda has reported two confirmed cases and one death, traced to travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda has announced tightened border screenings with the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Nigeria stated it is closely monitoring the situation. The World Health Organization has advised both countries to undertake cross-border screenings and urged nearby nations to enhance surveillance and readiness at health facilities and in communities.