Explore

AP News AP News
The fastest growing Ebola outbreak is worsening hunger in eastern Congo, a UN agency chief warns

The fastest growing Ebola outbreak is worsening hunger in eastern Congo, a UN agency chief warns

The head of the U.N. food agency is warning that the fastest growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded is leaving thousands more people hungry in eastern Congo
AP News AP News
Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500

Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500

The fastest-growing recorded Ebola outbreak has killed over 1,500 people in eastern Congo
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Ebola Outbreak in DRC Surpasses 1,500 Deaths Amidst Containment Challenges

Ebola Outbreak in DRC Surpasses 1,500 Deaths Amidst Containment Challenges

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing a severe Ebola outbreak, with over 1,500 deaths reported as of the latest government figures. The outbreak, which began in the northeastern province of Ituri, has spread to several other provinces, including North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. Health officials have recorded at least 3,442 cases, with 797 individuals currently hospitalized or in isolation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the contact tracing rate is at 78.3%, which is below the necessary 90-95% needed to contain the outbreak. The response efforts are hindered by a shortage of epidemiologists and essential equipment, as well as community mistrust and insecurity due to armed conflict. Meanwhile, Uganda has declared its Ebola outbreak over, with most cases there being travel-related.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Ebola Outbreak in DRC Becomes Fastest-Growing, Exceeding 1,500 Deaths

Ebola Outbreak in DRC Becomes Fastest-Growing, Exceeding 1,500 Deaths

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with over 1,500 deaths reported. The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain, has been declared since May 15 and is primarily affecting the Ituri province. The rapid spread is attributed to conflict-related displacement, misinformation, and attacks on health facilities. Despite the severity, the World Health Organization maintains that the global risk of spread is low due to the nature of Ebola transmission.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
WFP Highlights Food Assistance as Key to Containing Ebola in DR Congo

WFP Highlights Food Assistance as Key to Containing Ebola in DR Congo

The World Food Programme (WFP) has emphasized the critical role of food assistance in containing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The outbreak, declared in May, is the fastest-growing on record, with over 3,200 cases reported. WFP's efforts include providing hot meals and dry food rations to affected populations, supporting safe isolation, and reducing the movement of people in search of food. The organization has also been involved in logistics and community support to strengthen containment efforts. WFP requires $293.6 million to sustain its operations in DRC over the next six months.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
UN Warns Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo Worsens Food Insecurity

UN Warns Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo Worsens Food Insecurity

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is exacerbating food insecurity in a region already facing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Carl Skau, acting executive director of the World Food Program (WFP), highlighted the severity of the situation during a visit to Ituri province, where the outbreak is centered. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has already pushed nearly 10 million people into crisis or emergency levels of hunger, with Ituri province being one of the most affected areas. The Ebola outbreak, which has recorded 3,360 confirmed cases and 1,487 deaths since May 15, has further disrupted markets and supply routes, leading to increased food and fuel prices. The WFP has been providing hot meals to patients, contacts, and frontline workers in treatment and isolation centers to mitigate the impact.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
International Organization for Migration Expands Migrant Protection Efforts in Democratic Republic of Congo

International Organization for Migration Expands Migrant Protection Efforts in Democratic Republic of Congo

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is enhancing its migrant protection programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization is seeking to appoint a Migrant Protection Officer to support the development and implementation of protection program portfolios, including Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR) and Counter Trafficking in Persons. The officer will operate under the supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator and the Chief of Mission in DRC. The role involves ensuring the effective delivery of migrant protection programs in adherence to international standards and IOM's policies. The IOM's approach to protection emphasizes safeguarding individual rights and reducing exposure to violence through thematic guidance, direct assistance, advocacy, and capacity building.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York City Health Department Links Legionnaires' Outbreak to Contaminated Cooling Towers

New York City Health Department Links Legionnaires' Outbreak to Contaminated Cooling Towers

A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City's Upper East Side has resulted in six deaths and hospitalized over 70 individuals. The outbreak, which began in early July, has been linked to a contaminated water-cooling tower in the area. The city's health department has been actively testing cooling towers in three ZIP codes, identifying 56 buildings with live Legionella bacteria. Despite the severity of the outbreak, no new cases have been reported since July 17, and health officials believe the source of exposure has been eliminated. The outbreak is the second deadly occurrence of Legionnaires' disease in Manhattan in two years, following a similar incident in Harlem last year.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Researcher Explores Natural HIV Control Through Immunology

Researcher Explores Natural HIV Control Through Immunology

A PhD student at Johns Hopkins University is investigating why some individuals can naturally control HIV without lifelong treatment. The research focuses on whether antibodies present before HIV infection can influence immune responses post-infection. Using advanced technologies like Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing, the study aims to identify immune signatures that could inform future vaccines or therapies. The research is part of a broader effort to connect laboratory science with clinical medicine and public health, addressing real-world challenges in infectious disease management.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Uganda Declares End to Ebola Outbreak Amidst Ongoing DRC Crisis

Uganda Declares End to Ebola Outbreak Amidst Ongoing DRC Crisis

Uganda has officially declared itself free of Ebola following a 42-day monitoring period without new cases. This announcement comes as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to battle a significant outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is the rarest and currently has no approved vaccines or treatments. The World Health Organization has noted that the outbreak in the DRC is the fastest spreading on record, with the potential scale being much larger than reported. Uganda's Health Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.
AP News AP News
Ebola outbreak is worsening food insecurity in eastern Congo, UN agency chief warns

Ebola outbreak is worsening food insecurity in eastern Congo, UN agency chief warns

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is worsening the region's food insecurity, according to the World Food Program's acting Executive Director Carl Skau who described the situation as a “crisis on top of a crisis.”