WHO Declares 'International Emergency' Over Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda... Government: "Low Risk of Domestic Spread, But Response Strengthened"

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' (PHEIC) in response to an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. South Korean health authorities assessed the likelihood of the virus entering the country as low, but stated they would strengthen preventive measures as a precaution.

Visitors have their temperature checked at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where an Ebola outbreak has been confirmed. Photo by Yonhap News

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) convened an emergency risk assessment meeting immediately after the WHO announcement and decided to designate the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda—where Ebola outbreaks have occurred—as well as South Sudan, which shares borders with these countries, as 'quarantine management priority areas' effective May 19, with enhanced monitoring measures.

The KDCA evaluated the overall public health risk as 'low,' considering that the affected areas are limited to parts of Africa and that Ebola is transmitted through body fluids and blood. Nevertheless, to ensure thorough preparedness, the agency issued a 'watch' crisis alert level and formed a response task force.

All arrivals who have visited or stayed in the designated quarantine management priority areas must report their health status to quarantine officers via Q-CODE or similar systems. In addition, the National Quarantine Station will conduct full-scale screening at the airport gates for all passengers arriving from these areas.

Furthermore, if travelers from these priority areas develop symptoms after returning to Korea and visit medical institutions, the authorities will support the provision of their overseas travel history to healthcare providers to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

According to AP and other sources, the WHO announced via X (formerly Twitter) that "This event constitutes a public health risk to other countries through the international spread of disease," thereby declaring a PHEIC.

According to the WHO, as of the previous day, 246 suspected Ebola patients had been reported in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, with 80 deaths.

Ebola is an acute febrile and hemorrhagic disease caused by infection with the Ebola virus. It is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected animals, or through the blood, body fluids, and secretions of infected patients or deceased individuals.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.