Flawed tests and funerals allowed Ebola to spread undetected, sources say
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been exacerbated by flawed testing and local funeral practices. Health officials reported that the outbreak is one of the largest on record, with significant delays in detection allowing the virus to spread. Experts warn that the situation is chaotic, complicating containment efforts.
- ▪The outbreak is centered in Ituri province, which has poor health infrastructure and armed conflict.
- ▪The WHO has reported 80 suspected deaths and 246 suspected cases, but the true numbers may be higher.
- ▪Local funeral practices contributed to the spread of the virus before any alarms were raised.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Flawed tests and funerals allowed Ebola to spread undetected, sources saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA man is carried from an ambulance at Bunia General Referral Hospital on May 16 amid an Ebola outbreak in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 18, 2026, 11:11 PMUpdated May 18, 2026, 11:11 PMKINSHASA - By the time health officials confirmed new Ebola infections in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last week, the total number of suspected cases meant the outbreak was already one of the largest on record.A series of challenges and missteps delayed detection, two Congolese officials familiar with the response told Reuters, allowing the disease to spread undetected into rebel-held territory in the east and across the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.