The Explainer
The Explainer
27 May 2026
Why is the latest Ebola outbreak so hard to contain?
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An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has just been declared a global health emergency, sparking alarm worldwide. It is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, a variant of the virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. Complicating matters further, the epicentre lies in a war-torn region where medical workers face rebel checkpoints, depleted supplies, and widespread public suspicion. We’re joined by Dr Gabriel Fitzpatrick, a consultant in public health medicine who is director of the International Clinic in Dublin, and who has worked on the frontline of previous Ebola outbreaks.