WHO Scales Back Number of Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo, But Front-Line Medics Say Major Challenges Remain The World Health Organization has drastically lowered the number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo to 116, a significant decrease from previous estimates, with a total of 321 confirmed cases including deaths in the DRC and neighboring Uganda. Despite the revised numbers, health workers on the front lines describe persistent difficulties in tracking contacts and express concerns that the outbreak is outpacing current responses, potentially lasting for many months. However, there is emerging hope as several nurses who contracted Ebola have recovered, demonstrating that survival is possible with early medical intervention.

• WHO reduced suspected Ebola cases in DRC to 116 from over 900.
• Total confirmed cases stand at 321 in DRC (48 deaths) and 9 in Uganda (1 death).
• Many suspected cases were reclassified as other diseases or fevers.
• Health workers believe the outbreak may have been spreading undetected since January.
• Contact tracing is challenging, with only about a quarter of contacts being reached.
• Some individuals do not believe Ebola is real and seek alternative traditional treatments.
• Medics require more resources, including protective gear, to improve the response.
• Healthcare workers constitute 20% of new positive Ebola cases.
• Five nurses who contracted Ebola have recovered and been declared Ebola-free.
• WHO chief stressed the importance of early testing, treatment, and trust in health workers for survival.