Latest Health News
WHO reports rapid escalation of Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda
The World Health Organization says the outbreak has grown to 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths across both countries, with ongoing cross-border transmission and broader geographic spread. WHO reports 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths in the DRC, with response efforts complicated by insecurity and weak referral systems.
Uganda confirms additional Ebola cases as outbreak crosses borders
WHO says Uganda has now reported nine confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, with cases in Kampala and Wakiso. The agency says there is no evidence of community transmission in Uganda yet, but continued cross-border spread raises concern.
WHO says travel and trade restrictions are not recommended for DRC or Uganda
Despite the rapidly evolving outbreak, WHO says it does not recommend restrictions on travel or trade with the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda based on current information. The agency is continuing to monitor any measures taken by countries in response to the outbreak.
UN says early detection and community mobilization are critical in Ebola response
UN health officials emphasized that rapid case detection, isolation, and community engagement remain central to containing the outbreak. WHO also said vaccines and treatments are still being assessed, underscoring that the response remains in an early and fluid phase.
CDC issues new Ebola entry rule affecting foreign nationals from outbreak-linked countries
A CDC interim final rule issued May 27 bars entry of foreign nationals, including lawful permanent residents, who have recently been in designated outbreak countries. The rule is tied to the Ebola response and took effect retroactively on May 22, with a six-month duration unless changed earlier.
U.S. public health border policy expands beyond undocumented travelers
The new CDC Ebola rule is broader than COVID-era land border restrictions because it applies to foreign nationals and green card holders, not just undocumented arrivals. According to policy analysis, it also includes South Sudan as a neighboring country under the restrictions even though it has not reported direct Ebola cases.
DRC outbreak response faces major contact-tracing and care challenges
WHO says the outbreak’s concentration in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu is being complicated by insecurity, inadequate isolation, and gaps in patient referral and follow-up. These conditions make it harder to track contacts and stop transmission quickly.
Health workers among confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC
WHO reports that 16 confirmed cases have occurred among health and care workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That raises concern for nosocomial transmission and the strain on frontline health systems during the response.
Suspected Ebola deaths in the DRC remain much higher than confirmed deaths
WHO says the DRC has recorded 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, far above the 125 confirmed cases and 17 confirmed deaths reported as of May 27. The agency notes that laboratory and epidemiological investigations are ongoing to reclassify suspected cases and deaths.
One U.S. patient linked to the outbreak is receiving care in Germany
WHO says a confirmed Ebola case involving a U.S. individual who had treated patients in the DRC is now receiving care in Germany. The case highlights the international reach of the outbreak and the need for close monitoring of exposed responders.