The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the Ebola outbreak risk level in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from “high” to “very high” following a sharp increase in suspected infections and deaths linked to the deadly virus.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the situation as “deeply worrisome,” revealing that the DRC has recorded nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths amid the worsening outbreak.
According to the WHO, 82 cases and seven deaths have so far been officially confirmed, while health authorities continue intensive contact tracing and surveillance operations across affected areas.
The organisation maintained the regional risk level at “high” and the global risk level at “low,” noting that violence and insecurity in parts of the DRC are hampering response efforts and access to affected communities.
WHO also confirmed that two Ebola cases linked to travel from the DRC were detected in Uganda, including one fatality, although officials say the situation there remains stable due to swift containment measures.
The current outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. WHO officials disclosed that clinical trials involving monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs are being considered as part of emergency response measures.
Meanwhile, WHO says international experts have been deployed to support local health teams as efforts intensify to contain the outbreak and prevent further cross-border spread.
