In May 2026, the World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in western Africa a public health emergency of international concern. Within days, hundreds of cases had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising fears that the virus could spread further across the region.

Ebola has been causing outbreaks for nearly 50 years, but despite advances in vaccines and treatments, the disease continues to return. But why is it so difficult to treat and contain?

Contributors:Syra Madad, infectious disease epidemiologist at the Harvard Belfer Centre, USHypolite Muhindo Mavoko, professor of tropical medicine at the University of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of CongoAmanda Rojek, associate professor of health emergencies at the University of Oxford, UKJulienne Anoko, risk communication and community engagement officer at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Kenya

Presenter: Tanya BeckettProducer: Matt ToulsonResearcher: Amelia CoxTechnical producer: Nicky EdwardsProduction Co-ordiantor: Phoebe LomasProduction Management Assistant: Liam MorreyEditor: Tom Bigwood

(Photo: Ebola awareness banner in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Credit: Glordy Murhabazi/Getty Images)