WHO DG Raises Alarm as Suspected Ebola Cases Rise to 750
WHO Director-General Raises Alarm Over Ebola Outbreak in DRC
GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a statement shared on X, he warned that the actual scale of the epidemic may be significantly larger than current official reports indicate.
As of now, health officials have confirmed 82 cases and seven deaths attributed to the outbreak in the DRC. However, Tedros noted that surveillance data suggests there are nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.
“The #Ebola situation in the #DRC is deeply worrisome,” he remarked. “While 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmed, we believe the epidemic is much larger.”
In neighboring Uganda, the health situation remains stable, with only two confirmed cases and one death reported. No new cases or fatalities have been documented in Uganda recently.
“The situation in #Uganda is currently stable,” Tedros stated. “There have been no new cases or deaths reported.”
The WHO chief also highlighted that an American national working in the DRC has tested positive for Ebola and has been transported to Germany for treatment. Another American citizen identified as a high-risk contact has been moved to the Czech Republic.
“An American national who was working in DRC has also been confirmed positive and transferred to Germany for care,” he said. “We are aware of reports today regarding another American national who is a high-risk contact.”
Tedros emphasized that the numbers continue to evolve as surveillance and laboratory testing improve, but acknowledged that violence and insecurity in affected areas are hindering response efforts.
“These numbers are changing as surveillance and laboratory testing improve, but violence and insecurity are impeding the response,” he noted.
In response to the outbreak, additional WHO personnel have been deployed to Ituri Province, identified as the epicenter of the epidemic, to assist affected communities and enhance containment strategies.
“Additional @WHO personnel have deployed to Ituri, the epicenter of the DRC outbreak, to support affected communities,” he added.
Tedros confirmed that he has been in ongoing communication with government officials of affected countries to coordinate response actions and has convened a briefing with member states to discuss the evolving situation.
“I am in regular contact with the government officials of the affected countries to coordinate response actions,” he stated. “I have just convened a Member States briefing to update them on the ongoing response.”
