World Health Organization Raises DR Congo Ebola Risk to Highest Level as Death Toll Climbs | WPN World People News

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is facing a major Ebola outbreak, with local officials reporting that the death toll has reached 204. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said three volunteers are suspected to have died from Ebola, while neighboring Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases.

According to AFP, health authorities in DR Congo said three provinces have reported 204 deaths and 867 suspected cases. However, the latest figures released by the World Health Organization on the 22nd showed 177 deaths and 750 suspected cases.

The WHO has declared the highly contagious Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia are all at risk of being affected by the virus.

Ebola is a highly fatal zoonotic disease with an incubation period of around 2 to 21 days. In severe cases, patients may suffer systemic bleeding leading to organ failure and death. The virus spreads mainly through bodily fluids such as blood and vomit. Since it was first identified in 1976, several major outbreaks have occurred in DR Congo.

The Ebola virus can survive for hours on dry surfaces and for days in bodily fluids. Traditional practices in affected communities, such as washing and touching bodies during funeral rites and gathering in large mourning ceremonies, have accelerated the spread of the disease. In addition, many infected communities believe the illness is caused by “witchcraft,” prompting people to seek treatment from traditional healers instead of hospitals, delaying case reporting and complicating containment efforts. Days earlier, angry residents set fire to a hospital after learning a body would not be returned for burial, partially destroying the facility and highlighting the conflict between traditional customs and public health measures.

Countries bordering DR Congo, particularly Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan, face an elevated risk of transmission. Rwanda has closed its border with DR Congo, while Uganda has urged citizens to avoid hugging and handshakes. Uganda’s president has also postponed local pilgrimage events to prevent mass gatherings.

The United States announced $13 million in emergency aid for DR Congo and Uganda and said it is considering additional funding through United Nations humanitarian programs while also implementing outbreak-related travel restrictions. The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Authorities in DR Congo said they are relying on hard-earned experience and public health measures to confront the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak.