ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concerns over the continuing spread of Ebola in Central and East Africa, warning that at least 10 African countries are now at risk of being affected by the outbreak.
The warning was issued by the head of the agency, Jean Kaseya, who expressed fears that increasing cross-border movement and insecurity in affected regions could worsen the public health situation.
According to Kaseya, countries currently identified as being at risk include Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
He explained that the combination of population movement, regional instability, and fragile health systems has increased the possibility of wider transmission beyond currently affected locations.
The warning follows a recent declaration by the World Health Organization that the outbreak of the highly infectious disease has become an international public health emergency.
The outbreak is largely concentrated in eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and parts of Uganda, where health authorities have continued to monitor rising suspected cases and deaths.
Africa CDC had earlier declared the outbreak a continental public health emergency, citing concerns that insecurity in affected areas could make containment efforts more difficult.
Understanding Ebola
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials.
The disease can trigger symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, severe bleeding, and multiple organ complications.
Health experts note that early detection, isolation of infected individuals, contact tracing, and strict hygiene measures remain critical to preventing widespread transmission.
Growing Concerns Across The Continent
Public health analysts say rapid movement across borders within Africa increases the challenge of containing outbreaks, especially in regions already facing security concerns and weak healthcare infrastructure.
Authorities are urging governments across the continent to strengthen surveillance systems, improve emergency response capacities, and increase public awareness efforts to reduce the risk of wider spread.
Health agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as regional and international efforts intensify to contain the outbreak and prevent additional infections.
