
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has urged robust public health interventions to control the current Ebola outbreak, citing models that indicate it could otherwise rival the 2014 West Africa outbreak. That previous outbreak resulted in over 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths. Jason Asher, director of CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics, stated that such a scale is possible. The US projections, part of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report documents, suggest that the worst outcomes could be avoided if a larger proportion of patients are identified, isolated, and treated. However, the CDC noted that the public health response will likely need to be of similar magnitude to the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak. Asher clarified that these models are a planning tool to support action, not to generate alarm. They are based on four intervention scenarios, from poor to extremely high levels of isolation and treatment. If isolation levels are poor with no other interventions, there is a 65 percent chance cases will exceed 20,000 within three months. Satish Pillai, the CDC manager for the Ebola response, indicated that current isolation levels are on the lower end. The World Health Organization and the African Union’s public health agency also announced that $518 million is needed over the next six months to combat the outbreak in the DR Congo and neighboring countries. The outbreak, declared on May 15 in northeastern DR Congo, involves the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Nigerian striker Akor Adams may depart Sevilla this summer, with Marseille reportedly showing significant interest. The 26-year-old, who joined Sevilla in January, initially struggled but concluded the 2025/26 season with ten goals and three assists in 32 appearances, contributing to Sevilla's La Liga survival. His performance has attracted attention from clubs in England, Saudi Arabia, and France. Marseille has reportedly identified Adams as a priority target for their summer rebuild and is prepared to offer €18m. Sevilla, however, is seeking closer to €25m, though the club's financial regulations in La Liga, which necessitate player sales for new registrations, could influence their stance. Adams' prior experience in French football with Montpellier is seen as an advantage for Marseille, as it suggests he would require minimal adjustment to Ligue 1. He is described as a quick, technically sound, and reliable forward. The possibility of a deal depends on negotiations between the clubs, with multiple interested parties providing Sevilla with options if they decide to sell.
Must ReadFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the response of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration regarding the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, stated that Nigerians are entitled to greater empathy and urgency from government officials while the victims remain in the hands of kidnappers. The criticism comes nearly three weeks after the abduction from three schools in Esinele, Oriire Local Government. In a statement, Atiku accused the administration of appearing more focused on political activities than addressing the victims' plight, finding it difficult to reconcile public engagements and celebratory activities with the anguish of the families. He specifically criticized the First Lady, arguing that her public celebrations and political engagements sent the wrong message, especially given her role as a mother figure. Atiku emphasized that a true mother would not celebrate while children are missing and would use every platform to highlight their plight. He warned that the increasing frequency of kidnappings risks creating a dangerous sense of normalcy if government responses are not swift and decisive, calling for the deployment of all security and intelligence resources for the immediate release of the abductees and justice for those responsible. Atiku concluded that Nigerians need leadership and results, not polit

Nollywood actress and African Action Congress governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 elections, Doris Ogala, was hospitalized at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, after losing consciousness during a consultation. She later updated her Instagram followers, stating she was stabilized. While at the hospital, Ogala, who was in a wheelchair, interacted with patients and staff, engaging with them and offering prayers. Ogala recently became the AAC's candidate for the Abia governorship, aiming to unseat Governor Alex Otti in 2027, with a campaign focused on prioritizing the people, economic growth, and job creation. The incident has generated online attention, with reactions varying from praise for her generosity to skepticism, with many social media users viewing it as a publicity stunt related to her political ambitions. Others questioned her health and fitness for office, while some commended her support for patients.
Must ReadSamaila Muhammad Mera, the emir of Argungu in Nigeria's Kebbi state, has called on residents to pool resources and purchase weapons to defend themselves against attacks by criminal gangs. In an online video, Mera urged local chiefs to procure arms, stating that the government is overwhelmed and communities should protect their homes and property. Kebbi State has experienced sporadic attacks from both jihadists, including the Lakurawa group, and non-ideological criminal gangs known as bandits. These gangs kidnap travelers, raid villages, abduct residents, and loot homes. Mera, a prominent traditional chief, emphasized that communities should stockpile arms, even if it means risking their lives. This call for self-defense echoes similar appeals from other influential figures in northern Nigeria, such as former Katsina state governor Aminu Bello Masari in August 2021 and Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, a traditional chief in Zamfara, in December 2020. While traditional rulers lack constitutional powers, they hold significant cultural influence. Many farming and herding communities in northern states have formed vigilante groups due to incessant bandit attacks, though these groups have also been accused of extrajudicial killings, leading to cycles of violence and subsequent bans by state governments.