WHO Reports Over 900 Suspected Ebola Cases in DR Congo

Geneva, May 25 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded more than 900 suspected Ebola cases, including 101 confirmed cases, as authorities step up surveillance measures to contain the outbreak.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Ituri Province, the center of the outbreak, is home to nearly five million people amid ongoing conflict. Around one-quarter of the population requires humanitarian assistance, while one in five people has been internally displaced.

Tedros noted that violence has forced civilians, healthcare workers, and humanitarian personnel to flee, severely affecting efforts to expand Ebola contact tracing and detect cases early. Ongoing insecurity and fear have also contributed to mistrust within communities.

WHO and public health partners remain active in Ituri, including in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas where communities face threats from both Ebola and other diseases. Tedros emphasized that comprehensive healthcare services are essential not only to meet urgent medical needs, but also to build community trust, which is critical for an effective Ebola response.

Earlier, on May 16, WHO declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On May 22, WHO raised the risk assessment to “very high” at the national level, while keeping it “high” at the regional level and “low” globally.

Source: Xinhua Thai News