World Cup-bound Democratic Republic of the Congo has been hit by a fresh Ebola outbreak after the World Health Organisation declared the spread of the deadly virus in the country and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following dozens of suspected deaths and confirmed infections.

The WHO announced on Sunday that the outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has so far resulted in 80 suspected deaths, nine laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected infections, mainly in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri.

According to the UN health agency, the outbreak has spread across at least three health zones — Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu — while a ninth confirmed case was reported in the eastern city of Goma.

The development has raised fresh concerns ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with DR Congo among the African nations preparing for the global tournament.

The WHO, however, said the outbreak does not yet qualify as a pandemic emergency, although countries sharing borders with the DRC face a high risk of further transmission.

“This outbreak is extraordinary,” the WHO stated, noting that, unlike the more common Ebola-Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus.

Health authorities fear the actual scale of the outbreak could be significantly larger because of the increasing number of suspected infections and the high positivity rate from initial laboratory samples.

The WHO also confirmed that cases of international spread have already been documented.

In Kampala, Uganda’s capital, two unrelated laboratory-confirmed infections — including one death — were detected among travellers arriving from the DRC.

Another confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa involving a traveller returning from Ituri province.

The agency advised countries to immediately activate emergency response mechanisms, intensify cross-border screening and strengthen surveillance along major transport routes.

The WHO urged strict isolation of confirmed cases and daily monitoring of contacts, warning that exposed persons should not undertake international travel for at least 21 days unless medically evacuated.

Despite the growing concern, the WHO advised against border closures or travel bans, warning that such measures could encourage unofficial and unmonitored crossings.

The Ebola virus, first identified in the DRC in 1976, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials or deceased victims. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe body weakness, and the disease is frequently fatal.

Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said the continental health body was considering whether to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security.

The outbreak is the 17th recorded Ebola epidemic in the DRC, whose dense tropical forests remain one of the natural reservoirs of the virus.

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Iraq coach Graham Arnold said on Saturday he expects his side ​to show a trademark “fighting mentality” at next month’s ‌World Cup after qualifying for the finals for the first time since 1986.

Iraq secured the last berth in the ​expanded 48-team tournament with a win over ​Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final in ⁠Mexico in April. The finals will be held ​in North America.

Drawn in Group I alongside Norway, France ​and Senegal, Arnold described the pool as “the toughest group in the World Cup”.

“We work together as a family, and we ​go to the World Cup believing we can ​make Iraq proud,” Arnold told reporters.

Iraq open their campaign against ‌Norway ⁠on June 16 before facing 2022 runners-up France on June 22 and Senegal four days later.

“Norway is our first focus, and we are getting ready ​for that game. ​Then we ⁠face the best team in the world, France — it will be a great ​experience,” Arnold said.

“What I expect from ​the ⁠Iraqi boys is that Iraqi mentality of fighting — we fight for every minute.”

Ranked 57th in the world, the ⁠2007 ​Asian champions will continue their ​preparations with friendlies against Andorra in Girona on May 29 and ​Spain on June 4.

-Reuters

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran’s FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj on Saturday, he told Reuters, expressing confidence ​about the country’s participation at this year’s World Cup.

The Iranians are scheduled to play all three ‌of their group matches in the United States, but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

“We’ve had an excellent and constructive meeting ​together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely together ​and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the FIFA World Cup.”

More questions ⁠have arisen after FFIRI’s Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier ​this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The U.S. and Canada, which are ​co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” and have made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players, ​but said the two sides had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters and had ​a positive exchange.

Taj told Reuters that FFIRI had a very good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.

“I am pleased ‌that ⁠they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he said.

Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa ​arrangements for Iran’s players, ​Grafstrom declined to elaborate.

“We’ve ⁠discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing ​the dialogue.”

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched ​to Mexico, but ⁠FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

Iran’s squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before moving on to their U.S. base at ⁠the Kino ​Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, in early June.

Iran are scheduled ​to get their World Cup campaign underway against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to ​play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

-Reuters

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