Ebola outbreak declared in Democratic Republic of the Congo
World Health Organisation confirms resurgence of deadly disease one year after end of epidemic in West Africa

A new Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one year after the end of the epidemic in West Africa that killed 11,000 people.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed two cases of the deadly virus in the east African nation and is investigating another 17 suspected cases.
Three deaths have so far been reported and six patients have been hospitalised.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In a statement, the DRC health ministry said: "Our country must confront an outbreak of the Ebola virus that constitutes a public health crisis of international significance."
Health minister Oly Ilunga told the Congolese "not to panic" despite this being a "national health emergency with international significance".
He added that the "authorities have taken all necessary measures to respond quickly and efficiently to this new outbreak".
Over the weekend, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa, travelled to the capital Kinshasa to discuss the response plan with leading authorities in the country, while Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, confirmed 300,000 vaccines for the disease were available in case of an outbreak on the scale of the 2014-16 epidemic.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
BBC global health correspondent Tulip Mazumdar said the outbreak was "extremely worrying" for communities living in affected regions, but added that the DRC "has stamped out more Ebola outbreaks than any other place on earth".
There have been eight Ebola outbreaks since 1976, she adds, with the last one, in 2014, being brought to an end within four months.
How the latest outbreak has developed is unclear, but previous ones have been blamed on civilians coming into contact with infected "bush meat" such as apes, says The Independent.
In January 2016, WHO declared the end of a two-year Ebola epidemic across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea that led to 28,000 people being infected with the virus.
-
October 13 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday's political cartoons include Donald Trump's consolation prize, government workers during shutdown, and more
-
Can Gaza momentum help end the war in Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles hints at ‘warming relations’ between Ukraine and US
-
The Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released
The Explainer Triumphant Donald Trump addresses the Israeli parliament as families on both sides of the Gaza war reunite with their loved ones
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
Is Trump's new peacemaking model working in DR Congo?
Talking Point Truce brokered by the US president in June is holding, but foundations of a long-term peace have let to be laid
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago