Ebola outbreak in DR Congo spreading rapidly, WHO warns
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The World Health Organization WHO reported on Friday that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC is spreading rapidly, despite intensified efforts to control the virus. Marie-Roseline Belizaire, the WHO Africa emergencies chief, stated that the outbreak remains serious and is evolving quickly, though she noted the response is strengthening daily. The outbreak, declared on May 15, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine exists. As of the latest WHO update, there have been 896 confirmed cases in the DRC, including 232 confirmed deaths, with 21 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Over 90 percent of known cases in the DRC are in Ituri province, which is affected by conflict. The outbreak has also reached North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Belizaire highlighted that the number of treatment beds for Ebola patients has increased from zero to over 500. Surveillance teams are investigating nearly 400 alerts and can administer more than 2,000 tests daily. Contact tracing efforts have also increased, with 75 percent of all contacts now being reached, though the WHO aims for 95 percent to control the outbreak. In neighboring Uganda, there have been 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths and 10 recovered patients, with no new cases reported for 12 days.
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Portuguese fans have flooded Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes's Instagram post with thousands of comments, demanding he pass the ball more often to Cristiano Ronaldo and show the veteran striker greater respect as Portugal prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A report by #FootballTweet on Friday via X indicated that Fernandes's post attracted over 20,000 comments, with many supporters expressing frustration over what they perceive as insufficient service to Ronaldo in recent matches. One viral comment highlighted Ronaldo's past contributions to Portuguese football, his emotional displays, and his two-decade commitment to the national team, suggesting this could be his "last dance" on football's biggest stage. The backlash is linked to fans' belief that Fernandes and other teammates have not adequately supported the 41-year-old Ronaldo. Reactions on X have been mixed, with some users echoing the fans' sentiments, while others, like #AbdullahiLawerl, criticized the fan pressure on Fernandes. The online pressure underscores the deep emotional investment fans have in ensuring Ronaldo receives a fitting send-off on the international stage, especially as he seeks a maiden World Cup title in what could be his final appearance.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Police Force announced the completion of security deployments to all 2,545 polling units in Ekiti State for the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Security, CP Shogule Abayomi, stated that a multi-layered security architecture is in place to ensure a peaceful and credible election. Security personnel and operational assets have been strategically positioned to safeguard voters, electoral officials, observers, and materials. The deployment also covers critical infrastructure, entry/exit routes, and border communities. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, assured the public that deployed officers are briefed on their responsibilities and rules of engagement, emphasizing professionalism and impartiality. Abayomi warned against electoral offenses and urged eligible voters to participate peacefully, while cautioning against spreading unverified information. An emergency line, 0800623355577, has been provided for reporting security concerns. Thirteen political parties are expected to participate in the election.
The US Defense Department plans to request approximately $80 billion from Congress to cover costs associated with the Iran war and other expenditures, according to the Wall Street Journal. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg reportedly shared this request with lawmakers. Pentagon leaders have indicated that without a new wartime spending bill, they risk running out of funds for operations in the coming months, potentially leading to cuts in training and troop deployment. The cost of the war with Iran was stated last month to be nearly $29 billion. Concerns about the war's impact on US weapons stockpiles were raised, with Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao citing the conflict as a reason to pause arms sales to Taiwan, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the idea of a munitions stockpile crisis. If approved, part of the $80 billion would be allocated to munitions, personnel pay, and ship operations. The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, has affected the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. Some lawmakers have stated they will not support additional war funding without congressional authorization, with Democrats accusing President Donald Trump of violating the Constitution by initiating the war without congressional backing, as the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act has passed.