WHO warns of 'more complex' Ebola outbreak as Bundibugyo cases reach Nigeria and Kenya
Nigeria has confirmed its first case in the outbreak that began in Congo in May, while Kenya's count has risen to nine, prompting the WHO to urge neighbouring countries to prepare.
The World Health Organization has warned that Africa faces a "more complex outbreak landscape" as an Ebola outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now produced cases in both East and West Africa.
WHO's regional director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, made the remarks at an online briefing on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, a rarer form of Ebola for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments, according to ABC News.
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Nigeria's first case
Nigeria confirmed its first case on 20 October, WHO's Africa office said. The patient, a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda, developed symptoms on 7 October, sought care at a private health facility in Abuja and is now in isolation. Health authorities have identified at least 44 contacts who are being monitored, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has activated its emergency response system.
WHO said Nigeria is the fifth country to detect the virus since Congo declared the outbreak on 15 May. Investigators are still working to establish where the patient was infected. Reports have noted that she and Kenya's first patient may have passed through the same airport in Uganda, a possibility under investigation.
Kenya and Congo
Kenya has reported nine confirmed cases, all linked to an initial imported case, ABC News reported. Officials say almost all contacts of that first patient have been traced and that the risk to the general public remains low.
In Congo, the outbreak is the worst in the country's history. As of 18 October, health authorities had recorded more than 9,500 confirmed cases and about 4,550 deaths, ABC News reported, with nearly half of confirmed patients dying.
What comes next
WHO is urging nearby countries to strengthen surveillance, prepare response teams, reinforce infection control in hospitals and monitor border crossings. It has advised against travel or trade restrictions on affected countries.
For India, which has large business and diaspora links with Nigeria and Kenya, the spread underlines the importance of airport health screening and accurate travel advice. Authorities have not announced any restrictions, and travellers should follow official guidance from the health ministry.
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