WHO says risk of Ebola virus high in Congo & Uganda, but not globally

By  News On Air   May 20, 2026

The World Health Organisation (WHO) today said that the risk of spread of the Ebola virus in Congo and Uganda is high at national and regional levels, but low at the global level. WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, requiring a coordinated response. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said So far 51 cases have been confirmed in Congo’s northern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, as well as two in Uganda. He added there are almost 600 suspected cases and suspected deaths. The risk assessment came as the leader of the WHO team in Congo said the outbreak, which has led to 134 suspected deaths, could last at least another two months as aid efforts intensified on to stem the spread.