Ebola outbreak is spreading. Photo: Shutterstock World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has made an alarming announcement regarding the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO boss said the outbreak is likely far more widespread than official confirmed figures currently show.
According to the latest update, health authorities have so far confirmed 82 Ebola cases and seven confirmed deaths in the country. However, the agency says there are now nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths under investigation.
WHO officials cautioned that the figures remain fluid as surveillance systems and laboratory testing continue to improve in outbreak zones.
“The Ebola situation in the DRC is deeply worrisome” Tedros said, emphasizing that ongoing violence and instability in some regions are making it difficult for health workers to fully track and contain the disease.
The outbreak’s epicenter is currently located in Ituri Province, where additional WHO personnel have been deployed to assist local communities and strengthen emergency response operations.
Tedros said he remains in regular contact with Congolese government officials as international and local teams coordinate containment efforts, contact tracing, testing, and public health measures aimed at limiting further spread.
Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda continues monitoring its own Ebola situation following confirmed cross border infections linked to the regional outbreak.
WHO said Uganda has so far reported two confirmed cases and one death, but officials noted that the situation there currently appears stable, with no additional infections or fatalities reported in recent days.
The organization added that it is continuing to support Ugandan authorities with prevention measures, surveillance, and emergency response planning.
The latest developments prompted WHO leadership to convene a briefing for member states to provide updates on the outbreak and ongoing international response efforts.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. Outbreaks in Central Africa have historically posed major public health challenges, particularly in areas affected by conflict, displacement, and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Health experts continue urging travelers and residents in affected regions to remain vigilant and follow official public health guidance.