The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the risk assessment of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to “very high” at the national level, warning of increased potential for further spread within the country.
The decision follows reports of new suspected and confirmed cases in outbreak-affected regions, prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and isolation measures by local health authorities and international partners.
Officials said the classification reflects growing concern over sustained transmission chains in certain hotspots, where health systems are working to quickly identify and isolate infected individuals to prevent wider spread.
At present, the WHO has not elevated the risk beyond the national level, and there is no indication of an immediate international or regional escalation. However, the agency stressed that containment depends on rapid response measures and strong coordination on the ground.
Response teams are focusing on tracking contacts of confirmed cases, improving community monitoring, and expanding vaccination efforts where supplies allow. Frontline health workers are also being prioritised for immunisation due to their high exposure risk.
Ebola is a severe viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme weakness, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, often requiring significant international assistance to control. Health authorities are again relying on early detection and swift isolation as key tools to limit transmission.
The WHO has urged continued vigilance and stronger public awareness campaigns, while also cautioning against panic. It emphasised that accurate information and community cooperation are essential to controlling the outbreak.
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