Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are investigating a suspected Ebola outbreak after at least 30 people died in a refugee camp, raising fears that the virus could be spreading rapidly. Medical teams have been deployed to contain the situation, trace contacts, and conduct laboratory tests to confirm the cause of the deaths. The outbreak has heightened concerns due to crowded living conditions and limited healthcare resources in the camp. International health agencies are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Congolese authorities to prevent a wider public health crisis across the region. (PC: Reuters)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released newly declassified records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci influenced government assessments on COVID-19 origins and maintained close contact with intelligence officials during reviews of the pandemic. The ODNI claims communications, whistleblower complaints and intelligence records raise questions about Fauci’s testimony to Congress, gain-of-function research funding linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the role of NIAID-funded scientists in assessments challenging the lab-leak theory. The documents also cite allegations that analysts supporting a laboratory-origin hypothesis faced professional repercussions. Fauci has previously denied covering up COVID-19 origins. The disclosures intensify a long-running debate over the pandemic’s beginnings.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has released declassified COVID-19 records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci played a role in shaping US government assessments on the virus’s origins. The ODNI claims the documents reveal Fauci’s interactions with intelligence officials and scientists during reviews of whether COVID-19 emerged naturally or from a laboratory-related incident. The agency alleges some communications conflict with Fauci’s 2024 congressional testimony and references whistleblower complaints regarding gain-of-function research. Additional whistleblower claims suggest analysts supporting a lab-leak theory faced professional repercussions. The disclosures intensify ongoing debate over COVID-19 origins, intelligence assessments, transparency, accountability and pandemic-era decision-making in Washington.

A fresh Nipah virus case has been confirmed in Kerala's Kozhikode district, where a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment on ventilator support at Kozhikode Medical College. Health authorities have launched an extensive containment operation, tracing 77 contacts linked to the patient, including healthcare workers, family members, friends, and colleagues. Fifteen individuals identified as high-risk contacts have been quarantined and placed under close observation. The Kerala government has heightened surveillance and strengthened public health measures to prevent further spread. Officials are continuing investigations to determine the source of the infection. (PC: The Hindu)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a £386 million ($518 million) six-month plan to fight the growing Ebola outbreak in Africa. The programme will run from June to November in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Uganda reported three new Ebola cases and one additional death on Friday, bringing its total cases to 19. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 380 confirmed cases and at least 63 deaths have been recorded. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak can be contained with strong political support, funding and community cooperation. (PC: Reuters, AP)

US health officials have warned that the current Ebola outbreak in parts of Central Africa shows worrying signs that it could escalate to levels similar to the devastating 2014 epidemic. According to reports, health surveillance data indicates rising infections in multiple regions, raising concerns about weak containment systems and cross-border transmission risks. Experts say delayed detection, limited healthcare infrastructure, and mobility across affected areas could accelerate the spread if urgent interventions are not strengthened. International health agencies are closely monitoring the situation and urging rapid response measures, including contact tracing, vaccination efforts, and improved coordination to prevent a wider regional health crisis. (PC: AFP)

A large international study has found that many breast cancer patients can safely avoid chemotherapy with the help of a gene test called Prosigna. The OPTIMA trial followed more than 4,400 patients across the UK, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. Researchers found that patients aged 40 and above with hormone-sensitive breast cancer and a low Prosigna score had similar outcomes whether they received chemotherapy or only hormone therapy. After five years, 94.8% of patients who received chemotherapy and hormone therapy were cancer-free, compared with 93.6% of those treated with hormone therapy alone. Experts said the findings could change treatment practices and help over 5,000 NHS patients each year avoid unnecessary chemotherapy and its side effects. The results will be presented at the ASCO 2026 meeting. (PC: AI Generated)

7 Asiatic lions have died in Gujarat's Gir Forest after being infected by a suspected virus. Officials believe the disease may be Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), but tests are still underway. 17 lions have been placed in quarantine, and eight have tested positive for the infection. The Gujarat government has launched an emergency response to stop the disease from spreading. Around 250 forest staff and 12 veterinarians are monitoring and treating the animals. Health checks are being carried out across the Gir region. Authorities say no new cases have been found outside the affected areas so far.

Russia has announced the development of a new Ebola vaccine that could potentially protect against multiple virus strains, including the rare Bundibugyo variant linked to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The claim was made by Mikhail Murashko and highlighted by the Russian Embassy in South Africa. The development comes as health authorities seek broader protection against Ebola variants beyond the Zaire strain, which current vaccines primarily target. The Bundibugyo strain is considered particularly dangerous because of its high fatality rate and limited outbreak history. Scientists and public health experts are expected to closely evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness and supporting clinical data. (PC: X)

Fear is growing across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as a deadly Ebola outbreak continues to spread, with officials reporting more than 130 suspected deaths and over 500 possible cases. Health authorities say the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks before the outbreak was officially identified in April. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is harder to detect than previous strains, has now spread to several towns and cities, including Goma and Butembo. Poor healthcare access, conflict, misinformation and delayed reporting are making efforts to contain the outbreak increasingly difficult for authorities and aid agencies. (PC: BBC)