Why has the WHO declared a PHEIC over Ebola outbreak

Transmission of Ebola

• Ebola is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans.
• It can spill over from wild animals such as:
  • Fruit bats, non-human primates, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Monkeys, Forest antelope, Porcupines
• Human-to-human spread occurs through direct contact with:

• Blood, Secretions, Bodily fluids, Organs of infected persons, Contaminated surfaces, Bedding or clothing used by infected persons

• Infection may also occur through contact with vomit, semen or other infected body fluids.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• The incubation period may range from 2 to 21 days.
• Common early symptoms include:

• • Fever, Fatigue, Muscle pain, Headache, Sore throat, Malaise

• Later symptoms may include:

• • Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Rash, Kidney and liver dysfunction

• Bleeding is possible but is not always present.
• Confirmatory tests include:
  • RT-PCR
  • Antibody-capture ELISA
  • Antigen-capture detection tests
  • Virus isolation by cell culture

Treatment and Vaccines

• Ebola patients need rapid isolation and intensive supportive care.
• Supportive care includes:

• • Rehydration
  • Symptom management
  • Emergency care
  • Treatment of complications

• Monoclonal antibody treatments can improve survival if given early.
• WHO has recommended monoclonal antibody treatments such as:
  • mAb114 / Ansuvimab
  • REGN-EB3 / Inmazeb
• Approved Ebola vaccines include:
  • Ervebo
  • Zabdeno and Mvabea
• Vaccines are used for targeted ring vaccination of contacts and frontline workers where relevant.

Containment Measures

• Rapid identification and isolation of patients.
• Immediate supportive care to reduce mortality.
• Contact tracing and monitoring for 21 days.
• Safe and dignified burials.
• Strict infection prevention and control in health facilities.
• Laboratory testing and disease surveillance.
• Vaccination of at-risk groups where feasible.
• Use of monoclonal antibodies where available.
• Social mobilisation to reduce stigma and encourage early care-seeking.

Challenges

• The true number of infected persons may be higher than reported.
• Epidemiological links between cases may not be clear.
• Cross-border movement can increase spread.
• Symptoms overlap with other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
• Health systems in affected areas may face capacity constraints.
• Fear, stigma and misinformation can delay treatment.
• Safe burial practices may be difficult in communities with strong traditional customs.
• The Bundibugyo strain has limited vaccine and treatment options compared with some other Ebola variants.

Way Forward

• Strengthen surveillance in affected and neighbouring regions.
• Improve laboratory testing and early diagnosis.
• Ensure rapid isolation and clinical care for confirmed cases.
• Scale up contact tracing and 21-day monitoring.
• Protect frontline health workers with infection-control measures.
• Use vaccines and monoclonal antibodies where available and relevant.
• Strengthen community engagement to reduce stigma.
• Avoid unnecessary border closures, but improve screening and cross-border coordination.
• Build long-term One Health systems to track zoonotic spillovers.

Conclusion

The Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda is a reminder that infectious diseases can quickly become international health concerns. A PHEIC declaration helps mobilise global coordination, surveillance and response.

Ebola control depends not only on medical care but also on contact tracing, safe burials, vaccination, infection control and community trust. Long-term preparedness requires stronger public health systems, cross-border cooperation and a One Health approach to reduce zoonotic risks.