{
  "id": 494745,
  "title": "We are chasing Ebola virus – it is ahead of us, WHO warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/we-are-chasing-ebola-virus-it-is-ahead-of-us-who-warns-494745",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-10T18:24:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/we-are-chasing-ebola-virus-it-is-ahead-of-us-who-warns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been ongoing for at least three months longer than it was officially recognized, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Over 1,900 people have lost their lives to the virus since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, placing it as the second-worst Ebola outbreak in history. The current infection rates remain high, raising concerns about the government's ability to manage the disease's spread. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, is centered in the eastern part of DR Congo, where insecurity has impeded control measures. There is currently no approved vaccine or recognized therapeutic drugs, which complicates the treatment of Bundibugyo.\n\nDr Mohamed Janabi, the WHO Africa director, emphasized during a press conference in Bunia that \"we are chasing the virus, the virus is ahead of us.\" Research indicates that the virus began spreading in February and was initially misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. Insecurity has also hindered health workers' ability to reach 30% of the cases, leaving the majority to die at home. Additionally, traditional burial practices and suspicion from some communities towards health authorities have exacerbated the situation. Despite these challenges, dedicated treatment centers have been established in the eastern DR Congo, resulting in quicker diagnosis for patients. As of now, there have been 4,294 confirmed cases and 1,960 deaths, according to the DR Congo's health ministry. The largest recorded Ebola outbreak occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, claiming the lives of 11,325 individuals.",
  "summary": "The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began at least three months before it was officially declared - meaning the health authorities are still playing catch-up, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}