WHO Reports Five Recoveries From Rare Ebola Strain in Congo and Uganda

The World Health Organization said five people have recovered from a rare strain of Ebola, showing that survival is possible even without approved treatments or vaccines. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the recoveries demonstrate the value of seeking care for symptoms.

"Of course, we're still working on vaccines and treatments but that doesn't mean that people cannot recover from Ebola," he added.

The health agency reported 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths among confirmed cases in Congo and neighboring Uganda. Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death, the Ugandan Health Ministry said Friday.

Challenges Doctors Without Borders said the virus is spreading faster than the response despite improved facilities and new aid arrivals. The group called for expanded testing, faster deployment of aid workers, and sustained access to medical supplies. Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces and a coalition of ethnic militias have hindered operations in Ituri province.

The illness has also appeared in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group controls several key cities. "We truly have hope. The virus here is not as complicated as those we have dealt with in the past, and with the support of all our partners, we believe we will be able to bring this outbreak under control as quickly as possible," said Davin Ambitapio, a doctor at a treatment center.