A rare, vaccine-free Ebola strain is spreading in Central Africa, sparking global health alarms

On Sunday, the WHO declared a rare Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency after the virus spread undetected for weeks.

This specific "Bundibugyo" strain has a 50% fatality rate and is uniquely difficult for current rapid tests to detect. Public health experts argue that recent U.S. cuts to international aid and scientific research delayed the detection and left local clinics without basic supplies. In response, the U.S. government is rerouting all travelers from the affected region to specific airports like Dulles for strict medical screening.

While scientists race to adapt existing treatments, officials warn that containing the epidemic could take up to nine months.