Ebola News & Videos - ABC News
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abcnews.go.comHere's the latest on Ebola virus as of today.
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Outbreak in DRC: As of mid-May 2026, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province with at least 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported. The outbreak is centered in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, and a different viral lineage may be involved, prompting heightened regional and international vigilance. WHO and Africa CDC are coordinating cross-border responses with partners including UNICEF, CDCs, CEPI, Gavi, MSF, and multiple vaccine and therapeutic developers.[1][3]
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Global response and readiness: Africa CDC convened urgent coordination meetings with Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, engaging global health actors to accelerate surveillance, laboratory capacity, contact tracing, infection prevention, safe burials, and cross-border actions. While a formal Disease Outbreak News alert from WHO wasn’t issued immediately, international monitoring and border screening have intensified in neighboring countries.[3][1]
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Context and history: The Congo has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years; recent outbreaks involved the Zaire lineage and have varied in size and CFR. Past WHO and partner reports emphasize rapid sequencing, isolation of confirmed cases, and community engagement as critical to containment.[9][3]
What this means for you in London:
- International travelers to or from the region may see enhanced screening at points of entry or in-country health advisories, though no widespread travel bans are in effect as of now.[3]
- If you are planning travel or work with people returning from Central Africa, stay updated on official guidance from WHO and UK Public Health agencies regarding any recommended precautions or vaccination considerations.[8][3]
Key sources you can check for the most up-to-date details:
- Congo Ebola outbreak in Ituri (246 suspected, 65 deaths; possible new lineage)[1]
- NBC News summary on the Congo outbreak and strain concerns[3]
- WHO situation updates and end-of-outbreak declarations for Ebola in DRC (contextual history)[10][9]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest official WHO situation report or UK Public Health England/NHS guidance and summarize actionable steps for travelers or healthcare workers.