India, May 17 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), raising global concern over the spread of the deadly virus.

The decision was taken after a rise in cases linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccines or specific treatments.

According to WHO data, as of May 16, authorities in Congo's Ituri province reported eight confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected cases and around 80 suspected deaths.

Uganda has also confirmed cases, including fatalities involving travelers linked to Congo. Health officials fear that the actual number of infections could be higher...