WHO Says Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Is Unlikely to Become a Major Global Threat

Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is not currently expected to become a major global threat, despite the recent confirmation of a case in France. WHO’s latest risk assessment continues to classify the global risk as low, while risk remains high in affected and neighboring regions.

The clarification comes after France confirmed an Ebola infection in a doctor who had returned from humanitarian work in the DRC. The patient was isolated immediately after arrival and transferred to a specialist facility. French authorities stated that the risk to the wider public remains very low.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that there is no reason for panic at this stage, and the likelihood of widespread international transmission remains limited. At the same time, he stressed that infections among healthcare workers must be treated as a serious concern because they reflect the occupational risks faced during outbreak response efforts.

According to WHO’s latest figures, the outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola continues to spread in the DRC. As of mid-June, hundreds of confirmed cases and deaths had been recorded, with additional cases reported in Uganda. WHO noted that the outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province but continues to evolve.

Health authorities in France said the infected doctor reportedly had minimal symptoms during travel and was isolated before official confirmation of infection. Contact tracing is underway, and close contacts are being monitored and asked to isolate for 21 days as a precaution.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola, which is less common than the Zaire strain. WHO and regional agencies continue to coordinate surveillance, testing, and containment measures while expanding preparedness efforts across neighboring countries.