Ebola cases ‘increased rapidly’ since late May, WHO says
Medical workers wear protective equipment to disinfect equipment used to treat an Ebola patient, who recovered and was released this week, at the Heal Africa Hospital on June 4, 2026 in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Daniel Buuma/Getty Images)
(GENEVA) — The number of Ebola infections and deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has “increased rapidly” since late May, the World Health Organization said Monday.
Since the last update from the WHO on May 29, an additional 390 confirmed cases including 74 confirmed deaths were reported. The increase in cases — more than tripling the prior confirmed count — is in part due to better testing and diagnosis abilities, the WHO said.
Cases continue to be reported in various parts of the DRC across 25 health zones, with some infections hundreds of miles away from the epicenter of the outbreak in the Ituri province.
The outbreak remains concentrated there.
As of June 6, there are a total of 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths in the DRC. So far, 12 patients have recommended recovered there.
Over 5,000 people have been identified as contacts due to exposure from someone who was infected. Contact tracing efforts continue to be underway.
At least 16 of the infections reported so far were identified in health care workers.
Uganda has 19 confirmed cases as of June 6, an increase of 10 since the last update on May 29.
While the WHO assesses the risk of transmission in the Congo as “very high” and “high” in bordering countries, the risk to the rest of Africa and the world is “low.”
On Aug. 28, 2026, Everything Sprouts, LLC expanded its recall to include certain lots of Robust Radish Sprout Mix because it has the potential for cross-contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) or Salmonella from the recalled alfalfa sprouts. (FDA)
(NEW YORK) — Everything Sprouts, the company linked to a salmonella and E. coli outbreak from alfalfa sprouts, has voluntarily expanded its recall to include radish sprout mix due to contamination concerns.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared in an update on Monday that the radish sprout mix had the potential for “cross-contamination” with bacteria from the alfalfa sprouts.
No illnesses have been traced back to the radish mix, and no new illnesses have been reported in the outbreak overall.
The recalled Robust Radish Sprout Mix was sold in 5-ounce cups with LOT numbers 223, 226, 230 and 233. The mix was distributed from Aug. 13, 2026 to Aug. 26, 2026 to wholesale distributors and to grocery stores located in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Last week, the Minneapolis-based company issued a voluntary recall of its 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts distributed since May 27 due to potential E. coli and salmonella contamination.
At least 55 illnesses involving salmonella or E. coli have been reported across 15 states as of Aug. 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of those sickened, two individuals had both salmonella and E. coli and at least four people have been hospitalized, according to an official outbreak notice posted by the FDA and CDC. No deaths have been reported.
Everything Sprouts said at the time that it is coordinating with the FDA and CDC on the recall.
“Everything Sprouts became aware of reports of illnesses from federal and state agencies,” the company said in its notice. “During this outbreak we have tested our products daily and have not received any positive lab results. We continue to work closely with public health officials to investigate the source of this potential issue and will provide updates as they become available.”
The FDA shared on Monday that its traceback investigation found at least one additional sprout grower that received and used the same lot of alfalfa sprout seeds under investigation in the current outbreak from a common seed supplier.
“The common seed supplier has instructed its customers not to use, grow, sell, transfer, or redistribute the implicated seed lot, and to return or dispose of any remaining seed,” the FDA said.
The FDA had warned Everything Sprouts last year of “serious violations” following an inspection the agency had conducted at its facility. Inspectors determined the company had “insanitary conditions whereby [produce] may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby they may have been rendered injurious to heath.”
FDA inspectors said they had found multiple problems, including roof leaks with water dripping onto produce and clean employee smocks. There was also “build-up of black organic matter” on a hose of the overhead irrigation system for produce, inspectors said.
The agency’s letter acknowledged that the company responded to say it was going to take corrective action, but noted that it wouldn’t evaluate the adequacy of its actions until its next inspection. It didn’t say when that inspection would happen.
The company didn’t immediately respond to ABC News’ request for further comment.
Female Aedes mosquitoes, including the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), are observed feeding on human blood in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on May 01, 2026. These mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. Rising temperatures are contributing to their survival. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(TEXAS) — Texas health officials on Tuesday confirmed the state’s first human West Nile virus case this year, an indication that mosquito season is beginning in the United States.
Public health officials have been warning that rising temperatures have allowed mosquitoes to thrive, increasing the risk of the diseases that they spread, including West Nile.
Last year, the U.S. reported 2,076 cases of West Nile across 47 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorado had the highest number of cases (285), followed by Illinois, Texas, Minnesota and California.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said the patient was a resident of Harris County, which includes Houston, but no other information about the patient was made available.
“West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a fact of life in Texas in the warmer months, and all Texans should take precautions against mosquito bites to stay safe and healthy,” Texas DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer A. Shuford said in a press release. “By removing standing water around the home, people can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and reduce insect populations in their area.”
Since 1999, West Nile virus has killed about 2,900 Americans, according to the CDC. Cases are typically reported between June and October, historically peaking in August.
The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk increases with older age, certain medical conditions — such as cancer, high blood pressure and kidney disease — and a weakened immune system.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea and a rash. Severe illness can affect the central nervous system and result in hospitalization or death, according to the CDC.
There is currently no vaccine that protects against West Nile virus, and preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect yourself, the CDC says.
No specific treatments are available. Doctors recommend patients rest, drink fluids and take pain medication to help relieve some symptoms. People with severe illness may need to be hospitalized for supportive treatment, according to the CDC.
The CDC says most people infected with West Nile virus are believed to have lifelong immunity. However, some with weakened immune systems or certain conditions may have their immunity wane over time.
A Culex mosquito, primary vectors for several viral and parasitic diseases inside a house in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, March 3, 2026. (Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NEW YORK) — A record number of West Nile virus cases have been recorded for this time of year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend.
At least 48 cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year compared to an average of 10 typically by the end of June. This is the highest number of infections reported at this point in year since 2004, according to the federal health agency.
Additionally, at least 23 states are reporting West Nile activity, which is the highest number recorded over the last 10 years, CDC data shows.
The illness is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contagious U.S., with several thousand cases and over 100 deaths reported on average each year.
With millions gathering outside for Fourth of July, the CDC is urging Americans to take precautions and reduce their risk of mosquito bites.
Since 1999, the disease has killed more than 3,300 Americans. Cases have historically peaked in August and are mostly reported from June through October.
While many people infected do not develop symptoms, about one in five do. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the CDC. Most symptoms soon disappear, though weakness and fatigue may last for weeks or months.
Fewer than 1% of people infected develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), the CDC says.
Risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death increase with older age; certain medical conditions including cancer, high blood pressure and kidney disease; and a weakened immune system.
There are currently no vaccines for West Nile virus, nor disease-specific treatments. The CDC recommends rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to treat the infection. Those with severe illness may need to be hospitalized and receive additional support treatments, such as intravenous fluids.
