Ebola Outbreak in DRC Spreads to New Zones as WHO Declares Emergency

—The World Health Organization declared the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak a global health emergency as cases climbed to 676 and the virus spread to previously unaffected health zones, including crowded displacement camps. Women, who serve as primary caregivers, face disproportionate exposure risk. Experts warn the outbreak could reach 20,000 cases without an aggressive international response. The US-hosted World Cup has amplified containment anxieties, though WHO regional officials have sought to reassure fans traveling to tournament venues. Funding constraints and access difficulties in northeast DRC are complicating response efforts.