World News for Students of English

29-05-2026 07:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the public health risk of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus, has already resulted in 177 suspected deaths and 750 suspected cases. This specific strain kills about a third of those infected, and there is currently no vaccine available.

The virus is spreading quickly across eastern provinces affected by war, which makes it difficult for medical teams to control the situation. To stop the transmission, local authorities have banned traditional funeral gatherings, which often involve handling infected bodies. Angry relatives recently set fire to hospital tents after health workers refused to release a body due to contamination risks. The WHO has sent 11 tons of medical supplies and 60 million dollars in funding; however, experts warn that the virus spreads quickly through social and travel networks. Scientists at Oxford University are developing a new vaccine that could start clinical trials within two to three months.

Difficult words: strain (a specific type of virus or bacteria), transmission (passing a virus from one person to another), contamination (making something dirty, dangerous, or infected with a virus).

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