GENEVA - The World Health Organization has raised the public health risk from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo from high to very high, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Friday.
Risk at the regional level remains high, and low globally. There are now nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths in DR Congo. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. 82 cases are confirmed, with seven deaths.
In neighboring Uganda, two cases have been confirmed in travelers from DR Congo, with one death. Ugandan authorities have implemented contact tracing and canceled a mass gathering to contain the virus. A U.S. national working in Congo is confirmed positive and transferred to Germany for care. Another American with high-risk contact was moved to the Czech Republic.
Violence and insecurity are hampering response efforts. The WHO's chief scientist noted the experimental antiviral Obeldesivir, developed by Gilead Sciences, may be used as a preventive measure among contacts under strict protocols.