The World Health Organisation has escalated its risk assessment for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to "very high" at the national level.
Cases and deaths have surged dramatically across affected areas. The jump prompted WHO leadership to revise threat classifications immediately.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, confirmed the reclassification during a briefing. He noted that regional risk now stands at "high," while global risk remains "low."
Official figures show 82 confirmed cases and seven deaths in the DRC. But health workers are investigating 177 suspected deaths and roughly 750 suspected cases.
That gap suggests the true scale of infection far exceeds laboratory confirmations. Authorities acknowledge they're likely missing significant numbers in the field.
Uganda has already recorded two imported cases tied to cross-border travel from Congo. One patient has died, marking the virus's first spillover beyond the DRC's borders.
Abdirahman Mahamud, WHO's emergency operations chief, warned that this strain spreads with alarming speed. He told reporters the virus's biological structure enables rapid transmission between people.
"The potential of this virus spreading rapidly is high, very high, and that changed the whole dynamic," Mahamud said. International health officials now view containment as significantly more challenging.
Scientists are exploring experimental treatments to combat the outbreak. Sylvie Briand, WHO's chief scientist, highlighted an experimental drug called Obeldesivir as a possible option.
Gilead Sciences developed the compound initially for COVID-19 treatment. Researchers are now evaluating whether it could protect people exposed to Ebola.
Briand cautioned that early data looks encouraging but remains incomplete. She stressed the drug would require strict medical supervision if deployed.
Uganda's health ministry is now on high alert for additional cases. Regional neighbours are strengthening border screening measures.
