Tackling Ebola, head on, and other stories
On the Ebola crisis in the DRC, the H1N1 situation in India, eye health, what’s new and what’s missing in the field of genetics, and more
The most pressing health story this week is the devastating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with over 5,000 cases and 2,378 deaths as of August 16, 2026. The outbreak is the worst in history, spreading three times faster than a previous outbreak in West Africa. The situation is worsening due to insecurity, displacement, and intense population movements.
The Ebola vaccine Ervebo has arrived in the country, but safety concerns have limited the response, with health workers targeted and ambulances damaged. Meanwhile, in India, the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, is causing a surge in cases, particularly among children with asthma and other chronic conditions. Doctors emphasize the importance of early testing for accurate diagnosis.
Additionally, the National Eye Donation Fortnight is underway, raising awareness about eye health. The article also touches upon issues related to lazy eye in children and squints, the use of AI systems in ophthalmology, and the challenges of fertility and breastfeeding after surviving cancer.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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