WHO Raises Ebola Risk Level in DR Congo Amid Worsening Outbreak
By Staff Reporter – The World Health Organization (WHO) has upgraded the public health risk posed by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo from “high” to “very high,” raising fresh concerns about the spread of the deadly virus across affected communities.
In a statement released on Friday, the global health body warned that the escalating outbreak presents a serious threat due to increasing transmission rates, challenges in containing infections, and concerns over the movement of people within and across borders.
According to the WHO, the decision to raise the alert level followed an assessment of the rapidly evolving situation in the affected regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where health officials continue to battle confirmed and suspected cases.
Health experts fear that weak healthcare infrastructure, insecurity in some affected areas, and delays in early detection could worsen the outbreak if urgent interventions are not intensified.
The WHO said response teams are currently working alongside Congolese health authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve contact tracing, provide vaccinations, and enhance community awareness campaigns aimed at reducing transmission.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
The organization urged neighbouring countries to remain vigilant and strengthen border health measures to prevent possible cross-border transmission.
Public health officials also appealed to residents in affected communities to cooperate with healthcare workers, report symptoms early, and avoid unsafe burial practices, which are known to contribute to the spread of the disease.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years, with health authorities repeatedly facing difficulties linked to insecurity, misinformation, and limited access to remote communities.
The WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting the Congolese government and international partners in bringing the outbreak under control and preventing further loss of lives.
