Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
WHO Chief Highlights Early Start and Challenges in DRC Ebola Outbreak Response

WHO Chief Highlights Early Start and Challenges in DRC Ebola Outbreak Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) may have started as early as January, giving the virus a significant head start. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, emphasized that the response efforts are catching up, with treatment centers now established across the most affected areas. However, the response is hindered by blanket travel restrictions imposed by countries like the U.S., which disrupt supply chains and impede efforts. The outbreak, identified in mid-May, has resulted in 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths in DRC, with additional cases in Uganda. High levels of community mistrust and low contact tracing rates are major challenges, with only 45% of contacts being followed up. The WHO is calling for the lifting of travel restrictions to improve the response.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
World Health Organization Reports Early Start of Ebola Outbreak in Congo, Cites Challenges

World Health Organization Reports Early Start of Ebola Outbreak in Congo, Cites Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may have started as early as January. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, highlighted that the virus had a significant head start, complicating containment efforts. The outbreak has resulted in 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths in the DRC, with additional cases in Uganda. Key challenges include high levels of community mistrust and low contact tracing rates, exacerbated by travel restrictions. WHO is urging countries to lift these restrictions to improve response efforts. The organization is also working to enhance laboratory and diagnostic capacities in affected areas.
AP News AP News
'We’re still behind' in Congo's Ebola outbreak even as testing improves, WHO says

'We’re still behind' in Congo's Ebola outbreak even as testing improves, WHO says

The World Health Organization says Congo's Ebola outbreak had a head start, but testing is improving
AP News AP News
'We’re still behind' in Congo's Ebola outbreak even as testing improves, WHO chief says

'We’re still behind' in Congo's Ebola outbreak even as testing improves, WHO chief says

The World Health Organization chief says Congo's Ebola outbreak had a head start but that testing is improving, even as violence plagues the region
Rapid Read Rapid Read
WHO Reports Significant Drop in Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo

WHO Reports Significant Drop in Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant decrease in the number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Initially, there were 906 suspected cases, but this number has been reduced to 116 after investigations ruled out hundreds of cases. The outbreak, which involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has resulted in 321 confirmed cases, 48 deaths, and six recoveries. The Bundibugyo strain is challenging to detect with common tests, and there is no approved vaccine for it. The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.
Reuters Reuters
WHO says Ebola response catching up as confirmed DRC cases hit 344

WHO says Ebola response catching up as confirmed DRC cases hit 344

By Jennifer Rigby and Mariam Sunny June 3 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that the world is "catching up" with the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo, where there have been 344 confirmed cases of the disease and 60 confirmed deaths, although challenges remain.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
WHO Declares Emergency as Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo Surges

WHO Declares Emergency as Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo Surges

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently experiencing a significant Ebola outbreak, with the epicenter located in the Ituri Province. The outbreak, which began in late April 2026, involves a new strain of the virus known as the Bundibugyo strain. As of May 29, 2026, there have been over 1,000 suspected cases and more than 200 suspected deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation an emergency, and there are confirmed cases in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak is further complicated by ongoing ethnic violence and the presence of gold mining areas, which facilitate the spread of the virus. International efforts are underway to contain the outbreak, including vaccine development and medical assistance from China.
AP News AP News
Ebola cases in Congo near 300 as more joyful stories from recovered medical workers emerge

Ebola cases in Congo near 300 as more joyful stories from recovered medical workers emerge

Congo has confirmed at least 282 Ebola cases in its growing outbreak
AP News AP News
As Congo grapples with Ebola, volunteers cook up meals to support patients and health workers

As Congo grapples with Ebola, volunteers cook up meals to support patients and health workers

Volunteers are supporting Congo's Ebola outbreak response with cooked meals in a program assisted by the U.N. food agency
Rapid Read Rapid Read
WHO Reduces Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo Amid Ongoing Challenges

WHO Reduces Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo Amid Ongoing Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) has significantly reduced the number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lowering the count from over 900 to 116. Despite this reduction, 321 cases have been confirmed in the DRC, with 48 fatalities, and nine cases in Uganda, including one death. The WHO's adjustment follows the clearance of many suspected cases as other diseases. However, front-line medics report ongoing challenges, including public skepticism about Ebola's existence and difficulties in tracking contacts of infected individuals. The outbreak, potentially spreading since January, continues to strain resources, with healthcare workers making up 20% of new cases.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
U.S. Border Policy on Ebola Outbreak Criticized for Undermining Global Health Efforts

U.S. Border Policy on Ebola Outbreak Criticized for Undermining Global Health Efforts

The United States has implemented a new border policy in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, closing its borders to individuals potentially exposed to the virus, including American aid workers. This decision aims to prevent Ebola from entering the U.S. but is criticized for potentially undermining efforts to contain the outbreak. The outbreak is centered in a remote region with weak health infrastructure, and the U.S. policy could discourage transparency and international cooperation. The policy also includes quarantining exposed individuals in Kenya rather than utilizing U.S. biocontainment facilities, raising concerns about the effectiveness and ethics of the approach.
AP News AP News
Volunteers serve comfort food in a worrying Ebola outbreak

Volunteers serve comfort food in a worrying Ebola outbreak

Volunteers for the U.N. food agency are providing crucial support In the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo by cooking