WHO Elevates Ebola Risk to 'Very High' Amid Outbreak in DR Congo
WHO says Ebola risk now 'very high' in DR Congo

Image: Euronews
The World Health Organization has escalated the Ebola outbreak risk in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 'high' to 'very high' as confirmed cases reach 82 with seven deaths. The rare Bundibugyo virus is the cause, and the outbreak has spread to Uganda, prompting international health responses.
- 01Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached 82, with seven confirmed deaths.
- 02Approximately 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been reported, indicating a larger epidemic.
- 03The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no proven vaccine.
- 04A US national working in the DRC has been transferred to a high-security isolation unit in Berlin for treatment.
- 05Another US national, considered a high-risk contact, has been moved to the Czech Republic for monitoring.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the public health risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 'high' to 'very high.' As of the latest update, there are 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths linked to the outbreak. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that the actual number of cases is likely much higher, with around 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths reported. The outbreak is attributed to the rare Bundibugyo virus, which lacks a proven vaccine, and has also spread to neighboring Uganda, where two cases and one death have been confirmed. A US national working in the DRC has contracted the virus and is receiving treatment in a specialized isolation unit in Berlin, though he is reported to be severely weakened but not critically ill. Additionally, another US national who was in contact with the infected individual has been transferred to the Czech Republic for observation. In the Netherlands, a patient with low suspicion of Ebola has been isolated at Radboud University Hospital pending diagnostic tests. Ebola, first identified in 1976, is a severe illness with a high fatality rate, with symptoms including fever, weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The escalation of the Ebola outbreak poses significant health risks to the local population and may lead to increased healthcare measures and international support.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How concerned are you about the Ebola outbreak in the DRC?
Connecting to poll...
More about World Health Organization
Oxford Scientists Accelerate Development of Ebola Vaccine Amid Outbreak in Congo
Times Now News • May 23, 2026

WHO Warns of Rapid Spread of Ebola Outbreak in Congo Amid Treatment Shortages
Business Standard • May 23, 2026

इजरायल-लेबनान संघर्ष में बढ़ी ताजगी: हवाई हमले और नुसीरात कैंप पर हमले
Zee News • May 23, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



