The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a new outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which there is no approved vaccine.WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus confirmed that five patients have recovered, marking the first documented recoveries in the current outbreak.The outbreak has already caused 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths across the Congo and Uganda, with hundreds more suspected.

Ghebreyesus visited Bunia, the epicenter, emphasizing the need for community cooperation and calling for local militias to declare a ceasefire to help health efforts.The region is challenged by decades-long ethnic conflict between the Hema and Lendu groups, which complicates containment and treatment efforts.Meanwhile, the U.S.is sending exposed Americans to a quarantine and treatment center in Kenya rather than bringing them home, sparking debate over access to specialized care.

The WHO is working with partners to scale up diagnostic capacity and support treatment, although current care is primarily supportive, aimed at managing symptoms like fever, vomiting, and dehydration.

Global health authorities warn that the epidemic could worsen due to conflict, misinformation, and insufficient funding, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international response.