Ebola cases nearly double in DR Congo as WHO chief visits

The World Health Organization director-general visited the epicentre of a deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where confirmed cases nearly doubled to 225 in two days. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, has been declared a global health emergency. Authorities have recorded over 1,000 suspected cases and more than 220 suspected deaths in DRC, with nine confirmed cases and one death reported in neighbouring Uganda. The response faces challenges including armed group attacks on health teams, conflict in the region, and cultural resistance to strict body-handling rules.