WHO raises DRC Ebola risk to 'very high;' 177 deaths suspected
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the Ebola risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to 'very high' with 177 suspected deaths and 82 confirmed cases, noting potential underreporting due to violence and insecurity. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which no approved treatments or vaccines exist, with two confirmed cases and one death reported in neighboring Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a 'very high' risk on May 22, with 177 suspected deaths and 82 confirmed non-fatal cases. WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the true number of cases could be as high as 750, as surveillance and testing improve, but violence and insecurity are hindering response efforts. The outbreak was classified as an emergency of international concern on May 17, though WHO emphasized it does not meet pandemic criteria. Two confirmed cases and one death have been reported in Uganda, highlighting cross-border spread risks. Tedros stated that WHO personnel have been deployed to Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, and are coordinating with DRC government officials. This Ebola strain is linked to the Bundibugyo virus, which lacks approved therapeutics or vaccines, complicating treatment efforts. Unlike the more common Ebola-Zaire strain, limited medical tools are available, increasing the urgency of containment measures. WHO continues to monitor the situation closely amid ongoing challenges in affected regions.
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