WHO Warns of Global Threat as Ebola Outbreak Worsens in Congo

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom has raised serious concerns over the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, warning that it poses a significant global threat.

According to international media reports, the death toll from the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 131, while 513 suspected cases have been reported. One death linked to the virus has also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda.

Congo’s Health Minister stated that the reported death figures are based on preliminary estimates, and investigations are ongoing to verify whether all fatalities were caused by Ebola.

Reports suggest that a new strain of the Ebola virus has emerged this time, for which no fully effective vaccine or complete treatment is currently available. Over the past five decades, Ebola outbreaks across Africa have claimed more than 15,000 lives.

The epicenter of the outbreak is believed to be Congo’s northeastern Ituri province, located near the borders of South Sudan and Uganda. Health experts say mining activities and cross-border movement are accelerating the spread of the virus to different regions.

Addressing the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom said the speed and scale of the Ebola outbreak are extremely alarming and require urgent international attention.

Meanwhile, Germany has announced that an American citizen infected with the Ebola virus in Congo will be transferred to Germany for treatment. US officials said the individual contracted the virus while working in Congo.