New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its national risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to “very high,” citing a sharp rise in suspected cases and deaths alongside operational challenges in affected areas.
WHO officials said the outbreak has expanded rapidly within a week, with suspected cases increasing to around 750 and suspected deaths rising to 177, compared to 246 cases and 65 deaths reported earlier.
The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Ituri province in the northeast of the country. However, a small number of cases have also been reported in other parts of the DRC, along with two confirmed cases in neighbouring Uganda, according to theguardian.com.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as “deeply worrisome,” noting the pace of transmission and challenges faced by health responders on the ground.
On Thursday, tensions escalated outside a hospital in Rwampara, where tents and medical supplies set up for Ebola treatment were set on fire during unrest involving members of the local community and health workers.
The incident reportedly followed objections from residents after they were prevented from retrieving the body of a man who had died at the hospital. Ebola safety protocols require strict infection-control measures, including regulated handling and burial of bodies to prevent further spread of the virus.
WHO representatives said the attack would significantly affect response operations in the area. The treatment facility was intended to isolate Ebola patients from other hospital cases, and efforts were underway to restore functionality within a short timeframe.
WHO officials also highlighted growing mistrust among some communities toward external responders, which they said is affecting containment efforts. Building trust and improving community engagement was identified as a key priority in the response strategy.
Despite the national escalation to “very high” risk, the WHO maintained that the regional risk remains high, while the global risk continues to be assessed as low.
Dr Anne Ancia, WHO representative in the DRC, said the incident in Rwampara would “significantly jeopardise” response efforts, though she expressed confidence that the treatment centre could resume operations soon.
She also said the response team was still working to bring the outbreak under control, even as transmission continues in affected areas.
