Could Ebola Outbreak In Central Africa Rival 2014 Epidemic? What US Health Officials Said

Published 6 June 2026 · health

Could Ebola Outbreak In Central Africa Rival 2014 Epidemic? What US Health Officials Said Published By, Last Updated: June 06, 2026, 17:31 IST Health officials

Could Ebola Outbreak In Central Africa Rival 2014 Epidemic? What US Health Officials Said Published By, Last Updated: June 06, 2026, 17:31 IST Health officials warn a fast growing Ebola outbreak in the DRC could rival the 2014-16 West Africa epidemic, urging urgent action, stronger surveillance and vaccination. A poster displaying Ebola emergency contact numbers is pinned to a tent at the Busunga border crossing between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (AFP photo) Health officials are warning that a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could become one of the worst in history, with experts cautioning that the number of infections may eventually rival the devastating West African epidemic of 2014-16 if urgent action is not taken. According to US public health authorities, the current outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has raised alarm because of its scale, cross-border spread and the challenges facing containment efforts in conflict-affected regions. The warning comes as health agencies race to contain infections that have already spread across multiple provinces and triggered concerns among neighbouring countries.

Experts fear that weak healthcare systems, population displacement and limited access to remote communities could allow the virus to spread further. Why Are Officials Concerned? US health officials say the outbreak bears similarities to previous large-scale Ebola emergencies because of the speed at which cases are being detected and the difficulties involved in tracking contacts. The situation has become particularly challenging in areas affected by armed conflict and political instability, where health workers often struggle to access infected communities. In some regions, attacks on healthcare facilities and mistrust of authorities have hampered response efforts. Experts warn that without stronger surveillance, vaccination campaigns and international support, the outbreak could grow significantly in the coming months. How Serious Was the 2014 Ebola Outbreak? The 2014-16 Ebola epidemic in West Africa remains the deadliest in recorded history. The outbreak primarily affected Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and resulted in more than 28,000 infections and over 11,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The crisis overwhelmed healthcare systems, disrupted economies and prompted a major international response involving governments, aid agencies and medical organisations from around the world.