The World Health Organization (WHO) has drastically revised its data regarding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lowering the number of suspected cases from over 900 to just 116. This correction comes as officials clarify that many individuals previously flagged under surveillance were later found to be suffering from other illnesses with similar early symptoms, such as malaria or meningitis. Currently, health authorities have confirmed 330 cases across the region, including 321 in the DR Congo and nine in neighboring Uganda, with a total of 49 deaths reported between the two nations.

WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that the initial high figures were a result of broad precautionary monitoring, where anyone presenting with flu-like symptoms in the affected region was categorized as a suspected case until diagnostic testing could be completed. As more patients are tested and cleared, the suspected tally naturally fluctuates, while the number of confirmed cases may continue to rise. This specific outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has proven difficult to track because it mimics common regional ailments, often spreading undetected for weeks before discovery. With no specific vaccine or treatment currently available for this strain, local health efforts remain strictly focused on containment and preventative care.