Global Ebola risk ‘remains low’, WHO chief says

The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the global risk from a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as "low," even after a case was confirmed in France. This marks the first instance of the hemorrhagic fever being detected outside the African continent during the current outbreak, which has also affected Uganda.

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The global risk remains low.

France announced the diagnosis of a doctor who had been working with the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) in DR Congo. The doctor reportedly traveled on a commercial flight from Kinshasa, experiencing only mild, almost asymptomatic symptoms like headaches during the journey. Upon arrival in Paris, the patient's condition slightly deteriorated, leading to immediate isolation and care even before the official diagnosis.

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There is no need for panic.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged against "over-reaction," stating there is "no need for panic." He noted that while the case serves as a "reminder of the risks faced by frontline responders" – with nearly 80 health workers infected in the current outbreak – the overall risk to the global population remains minimal. He pointed out that historically, fewer than 30 Ebola cases have been detected outside Africa in the past 50 years, despite thousands of cases within the continent.

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The risk to the rest of the world is low.

The current outbreak in DR Congo, declared on May 15, has recorded over 1,000 cases, including 267 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of approximately 25 percent. The WHO considers the public health risk "very high" for DR Congo, "high" for bordering countries like Uganda, and "low" for the rest of the world. The organization is advising countries to support the safe deployment of personnel and ensure preparedness for potential evacuations.

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The case served as a reminder of the risks faced by frontline responders.