WHO Raises Ebola Risk to 'Very High' as Suspected Cases Surge to 750 in DRC

The WHO announced the upward revision on Friday, moving the national risk level from high to very high while keeping regional risk high and global risk low. The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province, where the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is circulating. No licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, although an antiviral candidate, obeldesivir, is being prepared for trial.

Suspected cases rose to about 750 and deaths to 177, up from 246 cases and 65 deaths reported a week earlier. WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said significant distrust of outside authorities among locals is hindering the response. Dr Anne Ancia, WHO’s representative in the DRC, warned that the outbreak response is lagging and not yet under control. In Rwampara, Ituri province, a crowd set fire to tents and medical supplies outside a hospital after being barred from retrieving a body, illustrating the tension. Humanitarian groups report shortages of equipment and staff, which impede case finding and contact tracing.

The increase in detected cases may reflect improved surveillance rather than a sudden explosion of transmission, but the rising death toll signals ongoing spread. Mistrust reduces willingness to seek care and to accept safe burial practices, both critical for breaking chains of infection. Without a proven vaccine or therapy, control relies on rapid isolation, contact tracing, and community engagement—areas currently strained by insecurity and resource gaps. Practical takeaways for readers: stay informed through official health channels, support reputable aid organizations working on the ground, and recognize that misinformation can worsen outbreaks.

Monitor whether the obeldesivir trial begins in the affected zones, how quickly the burned treatment centre can be rebuilt, and whether community‑engagement strategies reduce distrust and new infections.