WHO Raises Ebola Risk In DR Congo To “Very High” Amid Rising Cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the risk level of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to “very high” at national level, citing a sharp rise in infections and suspected cases.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the revised risk assessment, noting that while global risk remains low, the situation within DRC is rapidly worsening, with regional risk now classified as high.

“The Ebola outbreak in the DRC is spreading rapidly.

Previously, WHO assessed the risk as high at the national and regional levels and low at the global level.

We are now revising our risk assessment to very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.

So far, 82 cases have been confirmed in DRC, with seven confirmed deaths.

But we know the epidemic in DRC is much larger. There are now almost 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.

The situation in Uganda is stable, with two cases confirmed in people who travelled from DRC, with one death.

The governments of DRC and Uganda are leading the response, with support from WHO and partners.”

The WHO said response efforts are ongoing, including contact tracing, treatment centres, emergency funding, and deployment of international health experts.

Health officials also warned that insecurity, displacement, and limited access to healthcare in eastern DRC are worsening the spread, with millions in need of urgent humanitarian support.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has no approved vaccine or treatment yet, making containment efforts more challenging.

Authorities continue to urge stronger surveillance, community engagement, and cross-border coordination to prevent further spread.