The World Health Organization warns that the Ebola outbreak in Congo is spreading rapidly and has raised the national risk level to "very high" after suspected cases neared 750 and at least 177 deaths were reported.
On 22 May 2026, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading rapidly. WHO has upgraded the national risk level from "high" to "very high," while the risk of regional spread remains high and the global risk is still considered low.
WHO reported that 82 confirmed cases and 7 confirmed deaths have been recorded, but the actual numbers are believed to be much higher, with nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. Meanwhile, the situation in Uganda remains stable, with 2 confirmed cases—both travelers from Congo—and 1 death.
The World Health Organization also revealed that experts recommend accelerating trials of two monoclonal antibodies and evaluating the antiviral drug "Obeldavi" for treating high-risk contacts after exposure. Discussions are ongoing regarding new vaccine candidates currently in development and production.
The United Nations announced an emergency aid allocation of 60 million U.S. dollars (approximately 2.19 billion baht) to accelerate control efforts in Congo and neighboring countries. The United States pledged an additional 23 million U.S. dollars (about 840 million baht) and plans to support the establishment of up to 50 Ebola treatment centers in affected areas of both Congo and Uganda.
Source: AP