WHO Declares Global Emergency Over Rare Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak in Africa
The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency over a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. With no approved vaccine or treatment, the virus has caused over 200 deaths and nearly 900 suspected cases, spreading from Ituri province to urban areas like Kinshasa and Kampala. Conflict, displacement, and healthcare gaps hinder response. The UN warns of a potential humanitarian catastrophe, while international aid is mobilized.
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Ebola Epidemic Spreading Uncontrolled in Congo, Threatens South Sudan
The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is escalating, having spread to five provinces and threatening to reach South Sudan. The outbreak was declared on May 15th, 2026, but had been spreading for at least six weeks prior, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency. In Ituri province, the main affected area, community nurse Moise Bulabantu reports a severe lack of protective equipment, with only gloves available to treat feverish and vomiting patients. The Congolese government has failed to contain the epidemic, highlighting fragile health systems in Africa. The article, published by The Economist on July 12th, 2026, underscores the urgent need for international response to prevent further spread.
Latest UpdatesEbola death toll in Congo reaches 600 as new suspected cases emerge in previously unaffected provinces
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has reached a death toll of 600, with new suspected cases reported in the previously unaffected provinces of Tshopo and Haut-Uele, according to the Congolese Health Ministry. The outbreak, declared on May 15, 2026, has now spread beyond its epicenter in Ituri province. Total confirmed cases across the country have reached 1,759. The Africa Centre for Disease Control described this as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on the continent. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. Clinical trials for treatment began last week. Containment efforts are being hampered by a funding gap, attacks on health centers, and ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Some health workers in Congo's Ebola outbreak go on strike over pay issues as deaths near 600
Health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have gone on strike over unpaid wages and poor working conditions, as the country's Ebola outbreak approaches 600 deaths. The strike threatens to undermine containment efforts in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where the outbreak is centered. Meanwhile, a suspected Ebola case has been reported in a new province, raising fears of geographic spread. The outbreak, which began in 2018, is the second deadliest in history. The strike highlights chronic underfunding and logistical challenges facing the response, with workers demanding hazard pay and better equipment. The World Health Organization and other partners are attempting to negotiate a resolution, but the walkout has already disrupted vaccination campaigns and contact tracing. The death toll has reached 600 confirmed fatalities, with hundreds more suspected cases under investigation.
Top stories - Google NewsAfrica Faces Rare Ebola Outbreak: Bundibugyo Virus Spreads in DRC and Uganda
A rare strain of Ebola, the Bundibugyo virus, has been spreading in Central and East Africa since around February 2024, now constituting the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak has caused over 1,500 confirmed cases and 506 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with additional cases in Uganda and one in France. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Delays in detection occurred because initial tests were not designed for this rare strain, and existing vaccines are ineffective against it. The WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518 million emergency response plan, but declining global humanitarian aid, the loss of USAID, and reduced U.S. CDC involvement raise concerns. Misinformation and low public trust in authorities, especially in eastern DRC, complicate containment efforts. Experts warn the outbreak could become the first or second largest before being contained.
Council on Foreign RelationsClinical Trial for Ebola Treatments Begins in Democratic Republic of Congo
A landmark clinical trial to evaluate treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has begun in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The trial, announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and reported by multiple news outlets including BBC, AP News, Reuters, and CIDRAP, aims to identify the first effective therapies specifically for this strain. Patient enrollment has started as the country faces a worsening outbreak. The trial represents a critical step in combating the Bundibugyo virus disease, which has a high mortality rate and for which no approved treatments currently exist. The study is being conducted in collaboration with health authorities and research partners to test potential antiviral drugs and other therapeutic interventions.
Top stories - Google NewsDR Congo reports 1,307 Ebola cases, 377 deaths as outbreak spreads to fourth province
The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed 1,307 Ebola cases, including 377 deaths, as the outbreak spreads to a fourth province. In response, authorities have banned mass gatherings in the capital Kinshasa and three other provinces to contain the spread. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the outbreak could become the largest ever recorded. Multiple international news outlets, including Al Jazeera, CIDRAP, Reuters, The New York Times, and BBC, are covering the escalating health crisis.
Top stories - Google NewsCongo Tightens Travel Rules After Ebola Case Reaches France
The Democratic Republic of Congo has tightened travel restrictions after the first case of Ebola linked to the ongoing outbreak in the country was confirmed in France. The patient, a response worker who traveled from DRC to France, tested positive for the virus, marking the first instance of the current outbreak spreading beyond Africa. The United Nations has warned that the outbreak is the fastest-growing in Africa's history, with cases surging above 1,000. The case in France has prompted increased screening and monitoring measures in both countries, as global health authorities work to contain the spread.
Top stories - Google NewsCongo's Ebola outbreak has most cases in first month of any African outbreak, WHO says
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases in the first month of any Ebola outbreak in Africa. As of late June 2026, the outbreak has infected over 1,000 people and killed 267. The virus was detected late, having circulated for months before being officially declared on May 15. WHO official Abdirahman Mahamud stated that the response must expand to keep pace with the growing outbreak. Cases have been reported in at least three crowded displacement camps in eastern Congo, with the International Organisation for Migration confirming 25 cases and 14 deaths at the camps. The outbreak is compared to the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic and a 2018 outbreak in Congo.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congo's Ebola Outbreak Has Most Cases in First Month of Any African Outbreak, WHO Says
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has become the most severe in its first month of any African outbreak, with over 1,000 infections and 267 deaths as of June 23, 2026. The World Health Organization reported that the outbreak was detected late, with the virus circulating for months before being officially declared on May 15. Cases have been confirmed in at least three crowded displacement camps in eastern Congo, with at least 25 cases and 14 deaths reported by the International Organisation for Migration. WHO's Abdirahman Mahamud stated that the response needs to expand to keep pace with the outbreak. This outbreak follows the two largest Ebola outbreaks in West Africa (2014-2016) and a 2018 outbreak in Congo.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could become worst in history, Africa CDC warns
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could become the worst in history. The epidemic, centered in the city of Bunia, is described as spiraling out of control with cases being missed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Multiple international news outlets, including Al Jazeera, CNN, Le Monde, CBS News, and The New York Times, report that the outbreak is still spreading and may surpass previous records. The warning highlights the severity of the situation as health authorities struggle to contain the virus in a region already facing significant challenges.
Top stories - Google NewsDR Congo Ebola peak 'in front of us', outbreak could last a year, says Red Cross
The Red Cross warned on June 16, 2026, that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has not yet peaked and could last up to a year. Speaking from Bunia, IFRC operations manager Bruno Michon stated the peak lies ahead, not behind. Since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026, there have been 808 confirmed cases and 192 deaths in the DRC, with the Bundibugyo strain—for which no approved vaccines or treatments exist—centered in Ituri province and spreading to North and South Kivu. The outbreak has also reached neighboring Uganda, reporting 19 cases and two deaths. Michon emphasized that controlling the outbreak requires not only medical response but also community trust, citing verbal abuse and physical attacks against Red Cross volunteers. Testing capacity remains critically low, hampering efforts to track the epidemic's true extent.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uganda Slams 'Unfair' Ebola Air Travel Restrictions Imposed by US, Canada, UAE
Uganda has criticized air travel restrictions imposed by the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates over an Ebola outbreak that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The restrictions include entry bans on travelers from Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan. Uganda's Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine stated that while vigilance is appreciated, blanket restrictions unfairly undermine confidence in countries that report outbreaks transparently. Uganda has reported only 19 confirmed cases and 2 deaths, mostly among Congolese nationals who crossed the border. In contrast, the DRC outbreak has seen 676 cases and 136 deaths since mid-May. The World Health Organization praised Uganda's response but warned the outbreak is spreading to new areas in the DRC. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the outbreak, has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congo’s Ebola outbreak rises to 100 deaths out of 550 cases after a month
At least 100 people have died from Ebola less than a month after authorities declared an outbreak in eastern Congo. As of June 7, 2026, there were 550 confirmed cases, 101 deaths, and 19 recoveries, though the actual number is believed higher due to delayed confirmation. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, unlike the Zaire virus responsible for past outbreaks. Challenges include attacks on health workers, local skepticism, and armed conflict in hot spots. The World Health Organization is involved in containment efforts.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WHO chief visits Uganda as Ebola outbreak spreads from DRC
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Uganda on June 8, 2026, to assess the response to an Ebola outbreak that has spread from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO has declared an international health emergency over the outbreak, first announced on May 15 in northeastern DRC. Of the 19 confirmed cases in Uganda, 14 were among people who entered from DRC and five are Ugandan nationals. Two people from DRC have died. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, for which there is no specific vaccine or treatment. Tedros praised Uganda's prompt response, including border screening and surveillance, and expressed confidence the outbreak can be controlled with continued collaboration with the Africa CDC and other partners.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Nearly 500 confirmed Ebola cases in Central Africa outbreak, WHO reports
The World Health Organization reported nearly 500 confirmed Ebola cases in Central Africa, with 452 cases and 82 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 19 cases with 2 deaths in Uganda. The outbreak, declared three weeks ago in northeastern DRC, has been designated an international public health emergency. A top US CDC official warned that without strong interventions, the outbreak could rival the 2014 West Africa epidemic which saw over 28,000 cases. The rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola has no approved vaccines or treatments. The WHO and African CDC launched a $518-million six-month response plan focusing on surveillance, laboratory testing, and infection prevention. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the outbreak is moving fast and they are still playing catch-up.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: Fight Against Virus Slowly Gaining Momentum
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is showing signs of progress, with the number of patients testing positive declining for the first time. Following a visit by WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, containment measures are accelerating. As of June 2026, 452 cases have been confirmed in Congo with 82 deaths, while 19 cases have been confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The airport in Bunia has reopened, allowing international aid agencies to fly in protective equipment and medical supplies. The International Vaccine Alliance GAVI has pledged $50 million to develop a vaccine against the Bundibugyo variant, with the US government rejoining the effort. The CDC and WHO presented a containment plan requiring over $500 million, warning the death toll could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak if immediate measures are not taken.
taz.de - taz.deEbola Crisis in DR Congo Shows Signs of Progress as Cases Decline and Vaccine Funding Pledged
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is showing its first signs of containment, with the number of patients testing positive declining for the first time. As of June 2026, laboratory tests have confirmed 452 cases and 82 deaths in Congo, while 19 cases have been reported in neighboring Uganda. International response is accelerating: the WHO and CDC have presented a containment plan requiring over $500 million, and the International Vaccine Alliance GAVI has pledged $50 million to develop a vaccine against the Bundibugyo variant. The US government, which had previously withdrawn from GAVI, is now contributing again. Aid flights carrying protective equipment and medical supplies have resumed through Bunia airport, and UN peacekeepers are helping Ebola teams reach remote villages. Six patients have been cured and released in Congo, and four in Uganda.
taz.de - taz.deWHO announces $518 million six-month plan to fight Ebola in Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a $518 million six-month joint plan to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already become the fourth largest on record. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the plan covers June to November 2026 and called for political commitment and sustained finances. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved treatment or vaccine, making it the most serious Bundibugyo outbreak ever recorded. So far, there have been 381 confirmed cases and 62 deaths. Donors have pledged $315.8 million, down from an initial $498 million after corrections. The Africa CDC declared the outbreak on May 15, and the WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.In Focus Podcast: What you need to know about the Ebola outbreak
This article reports on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO on May 16, 2026. As of the report, there are 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths in DRC, with 15 cases and one death in Uganda, caused by the Bundibugyo strain. The piece features an interview with Dr. George M. Varghese, an infectious diseases professor at Christian Medical College, Vellore, who explains the nature of Ebola, reasons for concern, vaccine availability, and implications for India. It also discusses the broader trend of zoonotic diseases spilling over from animals to humans. The article includes a related news item about a Sudanese national with fever detected at Hyderabad airport amid the Ebola scare.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo Drop By Hundreds; Uganda Reports New Cases
The World Health Organization reported that hundreds of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo were ruled out, dropping from over 1,100 to 116 suspected cases, with 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths. Uganda confirmed six additional cases, bringing its total to 15, with one death. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo variant, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists. CEPI announced funding for Moderna, Oxford University, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative to develop vaccines. A patient traveling from Congo to Italy tested negative, while two suspected cases in Brazil were diagnosed with other diseases. Kenya faced protests over US plans to build an Ebola quarantine center at Laikipia Air Base, despite a court order blocking the move.
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