Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Worsens as WHO Warns of Regional Spread

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is continuing to worsen rather than coming under control, raising concerns that the virus could spread to neighboring countries.

According to the WHO, 567 new Ebola cases and 296 deaths were recorded over the past week alone, marking the highest weekly increase since the outbreak began. Health officials say the latest figures highlight the growing difficulty of containing the disease despite ongoing response efforts.

Overall, the outbreak has now resulted in 3,605 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 1,587 deaths, while 651 patients have recovered.

The WHO said efforts to contain the outbreak are being severely hampered by persistent insecurity, fighting involving armed rebel groups, large-scale displacement of civilians, and mistrust among some local communities toward health workers.

The agency also warned that the actual number of infections is likely much higher than the confirmed figures, as many sick people are unable or unwilling to reach treatment centers, making it difficult for health authorities to identify and isolate new cases quickly.

The worsening situation has increased fears that Ebola could spread beyond the DRC’s borders, particularly as population movements continue across neighboring countries. Health officials have urged governments in the region to strengthen surveillance, border screening, and emergency preparedness to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

The latest warning comes as international health agencies continue working with Congolese authorities to expand treatment, vaccination, and community awareness campaigns, while calling for greater security and humanitarian access to areas hardest hit by the outbreak.