Challenges and missteps early in Congo's Ebola outbreak likely delayed detection, sources say

May 18, 2026 - 20:00
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Challenges and missteps early in Congo's Ebola outbreak likely delayed detection, sources say
a man visible over his shoulder holds a baby in his arm as another man wearing a medical mask holds a thermometer to his head, reading his temperature

Burial rituals allowed the virus to spread before alarms were raised, while testing missteps delayed detection, according to sources. Experts say delays could hurt efforts to stem the spread of the deadly illness, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern.