Suspected Ebola cases triple in a week as WHO warns of rapid spread in DRC

Summary: A new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is spreading fast. In just one week, suspected cases tripled to nearly 750, with 177 deaths. The World Health Organization says the risk to the country is "very high." This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no vaccines.

Making things harder, there is a lot of fear and distrust in the community. In one town, an angry crowd even set fire to a medical tent because of strict burial rules. However, there is a glimmer of hope: scientists are rushing to test a new antiviral drug called obeldesivir that might help stop the spread.

Source: The Guardian URL: theguardian.com/global-development/2026/may/22/suspected-ebola-cases-triple-in-a-week-as-who-warns-of-rapid-spread-in-drc (opens in new tab)