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WHO Chief Raises Alarm Over Rising Ebola Outbreak in Africa

KVIA•Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 12:07 PM•CNN Newsource

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The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed serious concern regarding the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in 131 deaths and over 500 suspected cases, primarily in the Ituri province. In response, the U.S. has enacted public health laws to restrict entry from the affected regions after a U.S. citizen tested positive for the virus. The WHO has declared this situation an international public health emergency, marking a significant escalation in response efforts as the potential for a larger outbreak looms.

Key Details: • 131 deaths and over 500 suspected cases reported as of Tuesday. • U.S. has implemented travel restrictions for individuals from affected areas. • WHO declared the outbreak an international public health emergency on Sunday. • First emergency declaration by a WHO director before convening an emergency committee.

public-health outbreak world-health-organization ebola democratic-republic-of-congo

People & Organizations

World Health OrganizationUgandaKampalaDemocratic Republic of CongoDr. Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusIturiAfrica CDCDr. Samuel Roger Kamba

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