WHO chief says Ebola is spreading rapidly in Congo, upgrades risk assessment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has escalated its risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province to 'very high,' citing rapid spread and inadequate resources. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported 82 confirmed cases and seven deaths, though he estimated the actual numbers are far higher, with nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. The outbreak has persisted for weeks in conflict-affected areas, where displaced populations face heightened vulnerability. Local resistance and misinformation have complicated response efforts, including an attack on an Ebola treatment center in Rwampara. Youths set the facility on fire after being blocked from retrieving a body, a practice medical authorities enforce to prevent contagion. Julienne Lusenge, president of Women’s Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development, attributed public anger to rumors and misinformation, noting some churches claim divine protection negates the need for medical care. The UN released $60 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to accelerate aid, while the U.S. pledged $23 million for treatment clinics and regional support. However, Ugandan authorities reported no awareness of U.S.-funded treatment centers, and frontline staff in Bunia lack basic protective equipment. Lusenge’s hospital, a first point of contact for suspected cases, operates with limited sanitizer and masks, exposing staff to infection risks. WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) agree the outbreak exceeds detected figures, with Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya anticipating rising cases as surveillance improves. Weakened health infrastructure and ongoing armed conflict further hinder containment, as international aid cuts and displacement exacerbate the crisis.