WHO raises risk of Ebola outbreak in Congo to 'very high' at national level
The World Health Organization has elevated the risk of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to 'very high' at the national level. The Bundibugyo strain, which lacks an approved vaccine or treatment, has resulted in 82 confirmed cases and seven deaths. Measures in Uganda have helped stabilize the situation, but the potential for rapid spread remains a significant concern.
- ▪The WHO declared the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola an emergency of international concern.
- ▪There are currently 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths in Congo.
- ▪An antiviral treatment called Obeldesivir may be used to prevent the disease among Ebola contacts.
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WHO raises risk of Ebola outbreak in Congo to 'very high' at national levelSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxRed Cross workers disinfect after handling the body of a person who died of Ebola, as aid agencies intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain, at the Centre Medical Evangelique (CME) in Hoho commune of Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 21, 2026. REUTERS/Gradel Muyisa MumberePublished May 22, 2026, 09:35 PMUpdated May 22, 2026, 09:35 PMListenGENEVA, May 22 - The World Health Organization has raised the risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola turning into a national outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to "very high".The strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, was declared…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.