WHO Raises Ebola Public Health Risk to Very High in DR Congo as Cases Increase

WHO Raises Ebola Risk Level

The World Health Organization increased its public health risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo from high to very high. WHO reported 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths, while also indicating that the outbreak is likely larger, with about 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. The global risk level remains low.

The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus, which does not have a proven vaccine. The disease has also spread to Uganda, where two cases and one death have been confirmed.

A US national infected after working in the DRC was transferred to Charité hospital in Berlin and was reported to be severely weakened but not critically ill. WHO also noted reports of another high-risk US contact being transferred to the Czech Republic. In the Netherlands, a patient with low suspicion of Ebola was isolated while awaiting test results.

Ebola is a severe disease first identified in 1976, with symptoms including fever, weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting, and it can be fatal in a high proportion of cases.