Ebola Cases in Congo and Uganda Exceed 900, WHO Reports

The World Health Organization reported that suspected Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have exceeded 900, with more than 100 confirmed cases. The eastern Ituri province accounts for most of the cases. An estimated 220 people have died.

" He said conditions are likely to worsen before they improve. The organization raised its risk assessment for Congo from "high" to "very high" but stated the chance of international spread remains low.

Response teams have faced three attacks on health facilities in one week. On Sunday evening, armed men entered Mongbwalu General Hospital and demanded the release of bodies, forcing staff to evacuate patients under gunfire. Dr Richard Lokudu, the hospital's medical director, told the Associated Press that the facility is on general alert.

The previous day, residents in Mongbwalu set fire to a Doctors Without Borders tent, and 18 people with suspected infections fled and remain unaccounted for. On Thursday, a treatment center in Rwampara was burned after families were denied access to a body.

Congo authorities have banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people in the northeast. The government has also directed officials to handle burials of suspected victims. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, began before the official declaration on May 15.

Uganda confirmed seven cases on Monday, including two additional infections announced that day. All cases trace to a 59-year-old Congolese man who died in Kampala on May 14. Two further Congolese patients and four Ugandan contacts, including medical staff, later tested positive.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he will travel to Congo on Tuesday with Chikwe Ihekweazu, the WHO's senior health emergencies official. Oxford University researchers are developing a vaccine that could enter trials in two to three months, a WHO spokesperson stated.