WHO raises Ebola public health risk to ‘very high’ in DR Congo | Ebola News
Ebola Outbreak Risk Elevated in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the public health risk level of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from high to “very high” as the epidemic continues to spread. The announcement was made by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday.
Tedros indicated that the risk assessment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is now classified as very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low globally. He described the situation in the DRC as “deeply worrisome,” with 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths reported. Additionally, there are nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.
To address the outbreak, WHO has deployed additional personnel to Ituri province, the epicenter of the crisis. This particular strain of Ebola has no approved vaccine or treatment, prompting WHO to declare the outbreak an emergency of international concern on Sunday.
Ebola is an often-fatal virus characterized by fever, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids.
In an effort to combat misinformation and educate the public, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has mobilized volunteers to visit households in the affected area. Gabriela Arenas, the IFRC Regional Operations Coordinator for Africa, reported mixed community reactions. While some residents are taking precautions, others remain skeptical, with claims that the outbreak is fabricated.
In light of the escalating situation, authorities in Ituri province have implemented strict public health measures. The provincial government has prohibited non-medical transportation of deceased individuals and mandated that only specialized teams conduct burials. Public gatherings have been limited to a maximum of 50 participants, and local sporting events have been suspended.
This decision follows unrest earlier in the week, when residents in the town of Rwampara set fire to an Ebola treatment center and clashed with police while attempting to retrieve the body of a victim.
Alain Uaykani, reporting from the eastern Congolese city of Goma, noted that officials are taking serious measures as the outbreak intensifies. According to WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, the potential for this strain of Ebola to spread rapidly is high. He emphasized the importance of addressing the outbreak with the attention it requires, especially compared to other recent viral issues that have received greater media coverage.
Tedros also reported that a United States citizen working in the DRC has tested positive for Ebola and has been transferred to Germany for treatment. Another American national identified as a high-risk contact has been sent to the Czech Republic for monitoring.
As authorities continue to respond to the outbreak, the situation remains critical, with healthcare officials urging vigilance and community cooperation to prevent further spread of the virus.
