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'It takes a lot of courage': DR Congo health workers battle Ebola
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, frontline health workers are battling an Ebola outbreak with little protection.
Patient enrolment begins in a scientific trial to identify the first effective treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease
In a major international effort to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola disease due to Bundibugyo virus (BVD), the PARTNERS clinical trial has opened enrolment today for patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
An AP journalist describes a month in the epicenter of Congo’s Ebola outbreak
An Associated Press journalist spent a month in the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak documenting the toll and the challenges for health workers in a conflict zone.
On the front line of Congo’s Ebola outbreak
Al Jazeera's Catherine Wambua-Soi reports from Bunia, on the front line of the Ebola response.
England vow to ‘keep pounding the rock’ shows Thomas Tuchel will stick with his tactic
Thomas Tuchel forecast how DR Congo was going to play. He got it wrong but at least England do have a plan, and they’re going to stick to it
World Cup 2026: Why England and Thomas Tuchel should be worried about DR Congo ahead of last-32 clash
DR Congo health workers battle Ebola despite scant protection
In Ituri, DR Congo's Ebola epicenter, overwhelmed clinics and a lack of protective gear leave health workers exposed as the outbreak spreads beyond control.
2026 World Cup: Colombia wins Group K thanks to Portugal draw as DR Congo also advances
We won't get a meeting between Messi and Ronaldo in the quarterfinals.
Ebola outbreak is still outpacing response, WHO's Tedros says
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is continuing to outpace response efforts, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday.
France Identifies First Case of Ebola
The patient is a doctor who had traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the health ministry said. Workers are racing to trace those who may have had contact.
France confirms first Ebola case in doctor returning from DR Congo
The patient is in isolation, following strict biosafety protocols to prevent risk of spread in France.
In the Ebola epicenter, a gold-mining town reacts with fear, disbelief and grit
NPR reports from Mongbwalu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fight to contain the virus faces obstacles from lack of supplies to residents who doubt that the virus is real.
Kenya's health minister found in contempt of court over U.S.-backed Ebola facility
Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale was found in contempt of court on Monday for failing to halt the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility intended for Americans, despite existing court orders.
Ebola Cases Top 1,000 in Congo as Virus Infects Frontline Health Workers
Ebola cases have surpassed 1,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where health workers are becoming infected before anyone realizes they’re treating the deadly virus, exposing a dangerous weakness in efforts to contain one of the world’s fastest-growing outbreaks.
Broken Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire ; Latest on U.S. Politics; Ebola Update
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah renew their ceasefire while Iran and the U.S. try to push ahead with negotiating a broader deal. We'll also look at how the preliminary agreement is being viewed domestically, and at President Trump's G7 appearance. Plus, we'll have the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where aid is starting to arrive.
Health Ministry investigates suspected Ebola case after traveler develops symptoms
Israel’s Health Ministry is investigating a suspected Ebola case after a traveler returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo developed fever and headache.
Ebola in DR Congo: Six-year-old 'doing well' after armed men took her from hospital
Health facilities have come under attack during the current outbreak as a result of misinformation and fear.
IOM Conducts Over 1 Million Health Screenings, Scales Up Ebola Response
Geneva/Nairobi 19 June 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has conducted more than one million health screenings at borders and along key cross-border routes and travel corridors across Ebola-affected and at-risk countries as it scales up its efforts to support the control of an outbreak that has spread across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The pressure to have baby boys can harm African mothers’ health
In Congo and other parts of Africa, some women are having baby after baby under cultural pressure to produce a male heir, even risking their health.
The pressure for baby boys affects Africa's mothers and their health
In Congo and other parts of Africa, some women are having baby after baby under cultural pressure to produce a male heir, even risking their health.
Congo’s Shock Tie With Portugal Won A Polymarket Bettor $1 Million
The Democratic Republic of the Congo managed a 1-1 draw against No. 5-ranked Portugal in the World Cup.
Portugal vs DR Congo Highlights
Check out the full game highlights between Portugal and DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Announced by Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves.
WHO issues comprehensive guidelines on filovirus disease, including Ebola and Marburg disease
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo is battling an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first comprehensive guidelines for the clinical management of filovirus disease which include all types of Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Ebola outbreak strains health system in eastern Congo
In eastern Congo’s Ituri province, a new Ebola outbreak is testing an already fragile health system. In the city of Bunia, hospitals are overwhelmed or shut down after suspected infections, while health workers race to contain the virus.
Congo reports 72 new Ebola cases Sunday, one of the largest daily jumps since outbreak was declared
Nearly a million people have been displaced by years of conflict in the region, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak.
Ebola cases in eastern Congo climb to 782 and deaths reach 181, authorities say
The Congolese Ministry of Health reports that confirmed Ebola cases in Congo have increased to 782, with 181 deaths
Congo says 782 Ebola cases confirmed, two new health zones affected
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 782 after 72 new cases were documented in 24 hours, one of the biggest single-day jumps during the ongoing outbreak, government data showed on Sunday.
Health workers struggle to contain Ebola in Congo camps as distrust grows
After the Kpangba displacement camp became the first in this part of war-torn Congo to record deaths from Ebola two weeks ago, health workers rushed to trace those who had come into contact with the deceased to break chains of transmission.
Alarm as Ebola spreads into new areas of DR Congo
Cases are being identified in new health zones on a near-daily basis, warns WHO's head of epidemiology.
Congo says number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to 676
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 676, including 136 deaths, government data showed on Thursday.
Motorcycle taxi drivers in Congo rally for Ebola awareness as attacks hinder response
Dozens of motorcycle taxi drivers have joined an Ebola awareness caravan in eastern Congo.
Congo says number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to 635
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 635, including 127 deaths, government data showed on Wednesday.
Building trust and lab testing at the heart of DRC Ebola response: WHO
In Ebola-stricken eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a massive push for early testing and contact tracing is helping to contain the virus, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
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 of the disease in eastern Congo.
Low pay plagues Congo health workers
MONGBWALU, Congo -- The front line is wearing thin in Congo's battle with the world's latest Ebola virus outbreak, as low pay adds to the fatigue plaguing the nation's healthcare workers, says one medical authority.
Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
Health workers in Congo's Ebola crisis say they get little pay or rest
Health workers at center of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
Health workers are handling the disease with minimal resources, because agencies have been scrambling to bring aid into the region.
Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
MONGBWALU, Congo (AP) — Dr. Richard Lokudu, the medical director of Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, has received barely any compensation for his work on the front line of one of Congo's deadliest Ebola virus outbreaks.
Health workers in Congo fight Ebola outbreak with little pay or rest
Health workers inside Mongbwalu, the epicenter of Congo's outbreak, say they are working with little pay or rest.
Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
Health workers inside Mongbwalu, the epicenter of Congo's outbreak, say they are working with little pay or rest.
Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
Health workers inside Mongbwalu, the epicenter of Congo's outbreak, say they are working with little pay or rest.
Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
Health workers inside Mongbwalu, the epicenter of Congo's outbreak, say they are working with little pay or rest
Health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak labor with little pay or rest
Health workers inside Mongbwalu, the epicenter of Congo's outbreak, say they are working with little pay or rest.
Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could reach 20,000 cases without strong public health measures
The Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could grow to 20,000 cases or more, depending on how quickly infected people are isolated to slow the spread.
Buffalo's Jericho Road Community Health Center on the frontlines of Ebola crisis in Congo
There are roughly 17 pallets with $2.5 million dollars in supplies on route to Congo to be received and distributed by Jericho Road.
In Congo, doctors face Ebola with little protection: "We live with fear"
As Ebola spreads in Congo, a radio station tries to stop health misinformation
A radio show in Congo is trying to battle misinformation around an ongoing Ebola outbreak.
As Ebola spreads in Congo, a radio station tries to stop health misinformation
A radio show in Congo is trying to battle misinformation around an ongoing Ebola outbreak.
As Ebola spreads in Congo, a radio station tries to stop health misinformation
A radio show in Congo is trying to battle misinformation around an ongoing Ebola outbreak.
What will it take to get a vaccine for the Ebola strain driving the current outbreak?
There is an effective vaccine for Ebola — but not for the variety spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trials are going on for several candidates. How long will it take?
Women are the first caregivers in this Ebola outbreak and the most at risk
Women in eastern Congo are often the first caregivers when family members fall ill.
Curbing Congo’s Ebola outbreak is hampered by unknowns about the virus
Answers to key questions could help public health officials develop Ebola treatments, predict the outbreak’s trajectory and prevent a future one.
DR Congo friendly with Chile cancelled by Spanish city after health concerns over Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
DR Congo's international friendly against Chile in Spain next week is cancelled after authorities raise health concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the African nation.
How Ebola kills -- and what it takes to stop it
It's a virus that can strike with unrelenting force. The kind of care need to knock it out is often not fully available in a lower resource country like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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.
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.
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.
Health Alert: U.S. Embassy – June 2, 2026 – Thailand Enhanced Ebola Screening - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand
Health Alert: U.S. Embassy – June 2, 2026 – Thailand Enhanced Ebola Screening Ebola Screening Location: International Ports of Entry, Thailand Event: Thailand has implemented Ebola disease-related screening and quarantine measures for travelers who stayed in or transited through Ebola disease-affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Effective May 27, 2026, travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or other neighboring countries with cross-border transmission will be screened by communicable disease control officers at the international port of entry in Thailand and could be subject to mandatory quarantine or self-isolation for at least 21 days. Failure to comply with quarantine or isolation orders may result in fines, imprisonment, or both under Thai law. Thailand currently has no confirmed Ebola cases but has implemented these measures following the World Health Organization’s Public Health Emergency declaration. For more information, contact Thailand’s Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422. Actions to Take: Follow directions from Thai authorities. Review Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak Stay up to date with the latest CDC Travel Health Notices Review the CDC’s Ebola Disease: Current Situationand Ebola Disease Basics Prepare or update your personal emergency plan. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. If at risk for Ebola disease, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola disease to receive guidance prior to presenting for care. Continue to take malaria prophylaxis if recommended, as the symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola disease, leading to preventable health scares. Monitor your health for 21 days following travel if you traveled to an area experiencing an Ebola disease outbreak. If you are a U.S. citizen or national planning to travel to the United States, contact your airline to confirm your flight and route. Enroll and update your information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X . Visit state.gov and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand website. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Bangkok Phone: +66 02-205-4000 Email: ACSBKK@state.gov https://th.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 Thailand Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Congo Reopens Main Airport in Ebola Epicenter as Officials Brace for Long Outbreak
Congo reopened the main airport in the eastern province hardest hit by Ebola, after health officials reported tentative signs the outbreak may be slowing despite a continuing struggle to trace exposed contacts and investigate suspected cases.
Ebola outbreak: How health workers are treating patients and staying safe in DR Congo
There are currently no approved drugs that target Bundibugyo - the species of Ebola responsible for this outbreak.
How aid cuts are hampering the front-line response to the Ebola crisis
Aid workers in Uganda are watching an Ebola crisis unfold in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. They're doing what they can to prepare for an uptick in cases, but foreign aid cuts aren't helping.
Ebola cases in Congo climb to 282 as WHO chief reports 5 recoveries
Health officials say the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 282.
Brazil investigates possible Ebola cases amid scramble to contain oubreak
“Never before has an Ebola outbreak recorded so many cases so soon after its declaration,” Doctors without Borders said in a statement Saturday, calling for more testing and medics on the ground.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo reach 282 as survivors describe their recoveries
The outbreak remains focused in Congo's eastern Ituri province. Congo has reported over 1,000 suspected cases with the Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.
Moderna partners with global health coalition to develop Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine
Moderna said on Monday it has partnered with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop a potential vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, the strain linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ebola recoveries bring signs of hope in DRC as suspected cases emerge outside Africa
Four nurses who were being treated for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus have been discharged from a hospital in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after recovering from the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday.
Congo’s Ebola Footprint Widens as Officials Race to Gauge Epidemic’s True Scale
Congo’s Ebola outbreak is being detected across a widening swath of the country’s conflict-hit east as health authorities struggle to trace exposed contacts and determine the true scale of the epidemic.
How aid cuts are hampering the frontline response to the Ebola crisis
Aid workers in Uganda are watching the Ebola crisis unfold in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. They're doing what they can to prepare for an uptick in cases, but foreign aid cuts aren't helping.
WHO chief reports 5 Ebola recoveries as new treatment center opens in Congo
Five patients have recovered from a rare type of Ebola virus, the head of the World Health Organization said Sunday during a visit to Bunia in eastern Congo.
Congo and Uganda report 263 confirmed Ebola cases with 43 deaths, Africa CDC says
As of May 30, 263 confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean Kaseya said.
WHO chief hails 5 Ebola recoveries as a new treatment center opens in eastern Congo
The World Health Organization reports that five patients have recovered from a rare type of Ebola in eastern Congo.
WHO chief hails 5 Ebola recoveries as a new treatment center opens in eastern Congo
The World Health Organization reports that five patients have recovered from a rare type of Ebola in eastern Congo.
Congo Expands Ebola Testing as Outbreak’s Real Scale Eludes Officials
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 260 as officials updated their estimates of the outbreak’s size and international health organizations warned of the risk of further spread.
Brazil’s Health Authorities Investigating a Suspected Ebola Case
Brazilian health authorities are investigating a suspected case of the Ebola virus involving a 37-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo who recently traveled to Africa.
Confirmed Ebola cases nearly double in days as WHO chief visits DR Congo
WHO's Tedros calls for a community-led fight as a rare Ebola strain spreads rapidly through conflict-hit eastern DRC.
WHO chief visits Ebola outbreak epicenter in eastern Congo as cases outpace response
WHO chief lands in eastern Congo’s Ituri province, epicenter of Ebola, as outbreak outpaces response
The head of the World Health Organization has arrived in eastern Congo’s Bunia, where a rare type of Ebola is spreading faster than the response.
Suspected Ebola cases in Congo rise to 1,028, health minister says
Congolese authorities have identified 1,028 suspected cases of Ebola, Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told reporters late Friday, up from 906 the day before.
What to know about the Bundibugyo virus, form of Ebola causing an outbreak in Congo
The virus causing an outbreak in Congo suspected of killing more than 200 people is less common than others that cause Ebola disease, which is complicating the response because there are no specific treatments or vaccines.
Ebola outbreak 'can be stopped,' WHO chief says as he arrives in Congo
“To come here is to really show to the community that they’re not alone," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters at the airport late Thursday.
WHO chief lands in Congo to address rare Ebola outbreak amid distrust and insecurity
The head of the World Health Organization arrived in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, to witness efforts against an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola virus.
WHO chief lands in Congo to address rare Ebola outbreak amid distrust and insecurity
The head of the World Health Organization has arrived in Congo's capital to support efforts against a rare Ebola outbreak.
Ebola Science Is Moving Fast. It Might Not Be Enough
Amid a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the scientific community has mobilized with breakneck speed to find ways to stamp out the virus.
Health Alert: Worldwide Caution – Updated Public Health Arrival Restrictions and Enhanced Ebola Disease Screening – May 28, 2026 - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy
Health Alert: Worldwide Caution – Updated Public Health Arrival Restrictions and Enhanced Ebola Disease Screening – May 28, 2026 Event: U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through designated airports for enhanced screening. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for the list of designated airports. The CDC and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply enhanced public health screening at the designated airports in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. This requirement applies to all U.S. citizen and U.S. national passengers who were present in those countries. For travel information regarding non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents (LPRs), review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations. Actions to take: Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Read the Department of Homeland Security Alert on Enhanced Ebola Screening. Read the Modification of List of Designated Airports – May 21, 2026. Read the Modification of List of Designated Airports – May 24, 2026. Review Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak. If you are planning to travel to the United States, contact your airline to confirm your flight and route. You may also contact the State Department – Consular Affairs: Phone: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates.
Worldwide Caution – Updated Public Health Arrival Restrictions and Enhanced Ebola Disease Screening – May 28, 2026 - U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic
Worldwide Caution – Updated Public Health Arrival Restrictions and Enhanced Ebola Disease Screening – May 28, 2026 Event: U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through designated airports for enhanced screening. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for the list of designated airports. The CDC and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply enhanced public health screening at the designated airports in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. This requirement applies to all U.S. citizen and U.S. national passengers who were present in those countries. For travel information regarding non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents (LPRs), review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations. Actions to take: Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Read the Department of Homeland Security Alert on Enhanced Ebola Screening. Read the Modification of List of Designated Airports – May 21, 2026. Read the Modification of List of Designated Airports – May 24, 2026. Review Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak. If you are planning to travel to the United States, contact your airline to confirm your flight and route. You may also contact the State Department – Consular Affairs: Phone: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates.
Ebola spreads as concerns grow over US response
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is fast outpacing containment efforts in the region as questions and concerns mount in the U.S. over the Trump administration’s preparedn…
"Catastrophic collision of disease and conflict": Ebola grips eastern Congo
Mongbwalu, a once-thriving gold-mining town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is now emerging as the epicenter of the country's latest Ebola outbreak.
Uganda closes its border with Congo, where suspected cases of rare Ebola type are surging
The measure, which goes against the guidance by the World Health Organization, underscores growing fears of contagion in East Africa from Bundibugyo, a rare type of the Ebola virus that is behind this outbreak and that has no approved medicines or vaccines.
Americans will be sent to Kenya for Ebola care, Trump administration says
As an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo grows, the Trump administration says it is focused on keeping the disease out of the United States.
Death of doctor treating Ebola patients raises fears among Congo health workers
Doctors, relatives and Red Cross volunteers gathered in the eastern Congolese city of Bunia for the burial of a doctor who died after treating Ebola patients, underscoring growing fears among frontline health workers as the outbreak worsens.
Ebola is ‘not a broad public health threat’ in Houston, says city health director
Bush Intercontinental Airport is among those designated to screen passengers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda – the African countries at the center of a deadly Ebola outbreak. Congo's national soccer team will be based in Houston during the FIFA World Cup.
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo collides with conflict and hunger, WHO warns
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday warned that eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict” as a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak outpaces containment efforts in a region already battered by armed violence, mass displacement and acute hunger.
Ebola, chemical plants and health, hantavirus, common colds, heat and more
As they say, bugs have ears. Public health has had a relentless May. Chemical plant (near) explosions, Ebola, hantavirus, and that's before you even get to the usual suspects: common colds, heat, and ticks. Here’s an attempt to keep you up to speed and, more importantly, what it means for you and your community. But first, an announcement: World Cup The World Cup starts in 15 days (not like anyone is counting down), and we are hanging TVs in the Health Security Operations Center. It’s going to be a gorgeous, chaotic celebration of basically every culture on earth. And it’s going to take a team effort—from communities to individuals, from public health to health care—to keep people healthy. That’s where you come in. If you’re going to the games or live within 30 miles of a stadium, we would love to hear from you. Sign up for a weekly survey here. Thanks to the more than 1,280 people who have already signed up…you will be hearing from us soon!! Global disease “weather report” Hantavirus: Two more cases The global count of cruise ship passengers with hantavirus has now increased to 13 cases (11 confirmed), with three deaths. The two new cases are overseas and among people who were already quarantining: A crew member in the Netherlands. A Spanish national passenger who was quarantining at home tested positive through daily monitoring. They are now in a biocontainment unit. In the U.S., everyone remains negative. There may be more cases, given that the incubation period of hantavirus (the time from exposure to infection) is 45 days. But this week, we will reach a major milestone: the median incubation window is 18 days, and that will pass on May 29. What this means for you: Your risk from this cruise ship outbreak remains essentially nil at this point. Ebola rages on in Central Africa Big thanks to Dr. Craig Spencer, a humanitarian physician who has treated and survived Ebola, for jumping in to provide the YLE community with an update. Craig, take it from here… The combined confirmed and suspected Ebola cases in DRC are now more than 1,000. All signs are pointing to a very long and catastrophic outbreak in Central Africa: This is a vast undercount. We know this because the test positivity rate is hovering around 50%, only 20% of contacts are being traced (and in some areas, no contacts at all), and more cases keep popping up with no known connection. This all points to widespread and undetected community transmission. This is in only a week of detection. Compared to previous outbreaks, the growth is very fast, as the huge West Africa outbreak in 2016 was first detected at 49 cases and rose to 208 cases a month later. It took four months for that outbreak to reach the size of the current one in the DR Congo. The cases are spread out across 16 health zones. There are now multiple epicenters, making containment very difficult. Next door in Uganda, the case count is seven. While this number is low compared to DRC, a concerning development is that two health care workers recently tested positive with uncertain exposure histories. If they weren’t treating known Ebola cases, this means it’s spreading undetected in Uganda as well. On the ground, backlash, including the burning of health centers, has emerged, a pattern seen in nearly every outbreak and rooted in deep community distrust. It often stems from outside actors working in communities without fully understanding or addressing local priorities. Affected populations may recognize the severity of Ebola while still holding other concerns as more pressing, such as where their loved ones are buried. Community trust is essential to an effective response, but difficult to build during an active emergency. It is best established long before a crisis begins. U.S. priorities are made clear, and may backfire. The U.S. Administration has shown that its first priority is keeping Ebola out, with helping end the outbreak in the DRC a secondary concern. That's meant travel restrictions broader than anything we've imposed before — covering travelers from across the region, and reportedly some green card holders and permanent residents as well. For example, just these past two days, news broke that high-risk American travelers will be subject to a mandatory quarantine in Kenya before they are allowed to return. If an American is infected, the U.S. government plans to send them to a hospital it is standing up from scratch in Kenya. (Currently, Americans who were in the area are allowed to return but are diverted to three airports—Houston, Atlanta, and DC—for further screening.) Past administrations have used travel notices and stepped-up screening; this goes much further. At first blush, these strict precautions may sound prudent. But this approach could backfire in three ways: Restrictions this blunt give people every reason to hide where they’ve been and whom they’ve been near — making the people we most need to find harder to track, not easier. They also breed a false sense that this is someone else’s problem. But diseases are humbling. They find the small cracks in even the most impenetrable-seeming defenses. Lives lost. There is no treatment for this Ebola strain, which means survival depends heavily on the quality of the health system. We have that system in the States, but we are choosing not to use it for infected Americans. This is unbelievable and infuriating. (See a deeper dive from me here.) The only real way to lower the risk to Americans — and everyone else — is to end the outbreak in the DRC and across the region. What this means for you: If you have travel plans to this region, it’s time to cancel them. This is a high-risk situation in Central Africa, and CDC released a Level 4 Travel Advisory. There is also great uncertainty if and when the Administration will let you back in. To the general public in the U.S., your risk remains very, very low right now. U.S. disease “weather report” Ticks: past peak season? Good news, especially for people in the Northeast and Midwest: tick numbers continue to decline. Though we are at the peak of the season, this unusually early year is trending favorably. Heat-related illnesses in the North Heat risk is certainly not blanketing the entire country yet, but this week it will be moderate in the Midwest and the Southeast. What this means for you: Be sure to check the CDC HeatRisk tool. A red day isn’t the best day for that soccer game for a kid with asthma, and a stretch of orange days is a great time to check on your elderly neighbor. Common colds surging As far as respiratory viruses go, the only thing really going around right now is the common cold. It is higher this year than last year, but should peak very soon before returning this fall. Spotlight: Chemical plants Over the weekend, YLE California covered the serious situation that unfolded around a chemical plant in Orange County, California. Thankfully, the worst-case scenario (a chemical explosion) was mitigated, but only through luck. The health implications in a densely populated area could have been catastrophic. As the situation was winding down, another chemical explosion struck Washington State. This one was fatal. Health officials say the risk to surrounding residents from chemicals in the air and ground remains low, though the community deserves far greater clarity. Clean air and clean water consistently rank as Americans’ top public health concerns — yet when chemical disasters strike, communities are too often met with reassurances rather than transparency and accountability. Residents near the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, for example, are still waiting to understand the long-term impact on their health, with few clear answers. What this means for you: Many are wondering if facilities processing potentially dangerous materials are in their neighborhoods. This interactive map allows you to enter your ZIP code and see all facilities monitored by the EPA, including any violations. Good news Ebola vaccines and treatment for the Bundibugyo species are in development. Two vaccine platforms are being explored, at least one of which may be deployable in as little as 2 months. One vaccine is being developed by Oxford, and the other uses the same biotechnology as the FDA-approved Zaire species of Ebola. (It may provide cross-protection, but it’s unclear at this point.) On the treatment side, two promising monoclonal antibody cocktails are likely to be deployed, though doses are limited and logistical hurdles remain significant challenges. Anni over at The Biotech Tea had a great explainer about the Ebola vaccine gap, if you want to read more. [ The Biotech Tea The Ebola vaccine gap, reading vessel damage, & the Makary exit 🗝️ Paid subscribers get the Biotech Term of the Week at $30/year (~$2.50/month). I try to keep it intentionally accessible, but if cost is ever a barrier, send me a message. A few people asked about expensing your subscription, so I put together a short email template… Read more 6 days ago · 10 likes · Annicka Evans, PhD ](https://www.thebiotechtea.com/p/the-ebola-vaccine-gap-reading-vessel?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), following more than a decade of debate and input from roughly 22,000 clinicians, researchers, and patients worldwide. This is good because the old name was medically misleading, leading to patients without visible cysts being dismissed or overlooked entirely. The WHO estimates that 70% of people with the condition remain undiagnosed. A more accurate name should improve recognition, reduce stigma, and ultimately help the millions of people living with this condition get diagnosed and treated sooner. Poll Loading... Bottom line Public health situations are everywhere right now. Staying healthy takes public health professionals and systems working tirelessly behind the scenes and each of us showing up for our neighbors and communities. Love, YLE Big thanks to Ed Nirenberg for staying on top of the Ebola vaccines, Hannah Totte for all the figures, Dr. Craig Spencer for the Ebola insight, and Dr. Matt Willis for covering the chemical situation in CA. Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) comprises a team of experts, ranging from physicians to immunologists to epidemiologists to nutritionists, working together with one goal: to “Translate” ever-evolving public health science so that people are well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. YLE suite of newsletters reaches over 475,000 people across more than 132 countries. This newsletter is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below: Subscribe
US to set up quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, WSJ reports
The Trump administration is expected to deploy U.S. public health officers to Kenya to staff a potential quarantine facility there amid the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
STEP - Health Alert: Worldwide Caution - U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg
STEP – Health Alert: Worldwide Caution STEP Alert Health Alert: Worldwide Caution – Updated Public Health Arrival Restrictions and Enhanced Ebola Screening – May 22, 2026 Event: U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through the following airports for enhanced screening: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for flights after 11:59 PM on May 21, 2026 Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for flights after 11:59 PM on May 22, 2026 George Bush Intercontinental Airport, (IAH), Houston, for flights departing after 11:59 PM on May 26, 2026 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply enhanced public health screening at IAD in response to the Ebola outbreak. This requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens and LPRs, who were present in those countries. Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations. Actions to take: Read the Modification of List of Designated Airports Regarding Arrival Restrictions Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Read the Department of Homeland Security Alert on Enhanced Ebola Screening. Review Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak. If you are planning to travel to the United States, contact your airline to confirm your flight and route. You may also contact the State Department – Consular Affairs: Phone: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates.
DRC is no stranger to Ebola outbreaks. Why isn’t there a vaccine or treatment to help now?
The fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo came to the world’s attention only a little more than a week ago and is already the third-largest on record. But it’s the 17th outbreak the country has dealt with since the virus was discovered there in 1976.