All top stories · This edition

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency; Ebola Spreads in Congo, Uganda

May 18, 2026

Summary

The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency due to a rare Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 246 cases and 80 deaths reported. The CDC is working to extract a small number of Americans directly affected.

How coverage differs

  • Left: Global health emergency demands urgent, coordinated international response to Ebola Left-leaning outlets emphasize the immediate public health crisis, detailing Uganda's emergency response and the constant threat Ebola poses with its severe symptoms. They highlight the importance of understanding treatment and available vaccines to mitigate the spread of the disease.
  • Center: WHO declares global emergency, prompting international health and travel responses Center outlets factually report the World Health Organization's declaration of a global health emergency over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. They also cover the CDC's efforts to extract Americans from the affected region and Hong Kong's consideration of travel alerts.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Uganda responds with emergency measures to Ebola outbreak
  • Ebola in Africa is a constant threat: Symptoms, treatment and vaccines
  • What to Know About the Latest Ebola Outbreak

Center

  • WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda - AP News
  • Hong Kong urged to trigger travel alert to DR Congo, Uganda amid Ebola outbreak
  • WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo an international emergency
  • CDC to Get Some Americans Out of Ebola Region in Congo

More from this edition

  • Two US Navy jets collide at Idaho air show; four crew eject safely
  • Thousands flock to Washington for Trump-backed ‘Rededicate 250’ prayer rally
  • Executions worldwide double in a year; Amnesty reports alarming spike
  • Israel strikes kill seven in Lebanon; Hezbollah denounces US-brokered talks
  • Pianist Jayson Gillham sues Melbourne Symphony Orchestra over Gaza comments
  • Cuba buys 300+ drones from Russia, Iran; weighs US attacks
  • Trump-Xi summit yields trade deals; China to buy billions in US ag products
  • Trump threatens Iran after UAE nuclear plant strike; oil jumps