US raises Ebola response to highest level as Congo outbreak worsens

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised its emergency response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to its highest activation level, citing growing concerns over the rapid spread of the disease, even as it maintained that the risk to the American public remains low.

The CDC announced on Friday that it had elevated its emergency operations to Level 1, its highest response category, a designation reserved for the most critical public health emergencies requiring the agency’s maximum personnel and resources.

The decision follows a sharp increase in infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has so far infected more than 1,200 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and claimed 321 lives.

The outbreak has also spread across the border into Uganda, where 20 confirmed cases have been recorded, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO said the current outbreak has produced the highest number of cases recorded within the first month of any Ebola outbreak.

Despite the escalation, the CDC stressed that the likelihood of the virus spreading within the United States remains low.

Speaking during a media briefing, the CDC’s Ebola Incident Manager, Dr. Satish Pillai, said the agency had already deployed 19 personnel overseas to strengthen response efforts in the affected countries.

According to him, the deployed experts are supporting more than 125 CDC staff already working through the agency’s country offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

He said the teams were collaborating with health ministries in both countries on disease surveillance, laboratory testing, airport exit screening, data analysis and the training of frontline health workers.

The CDC noted that Level 1 emergency activation has previously been used during major public health and humanitarian crises, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2009-2010 H1N1 swine flu pandemic, the 2014-2016 West African Ebola epidemic and the 2016-2017 Zika virus outbreak.

Meanwhile, the White House is seeking more than $1.4bn in emergency funding from the US Congress to strengthen the country’s response to the expanding outbreak.

According to a Trump administration official, the proposed funding package includes $800m to establish a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus while abroad.

Parents have been advised to adopt simple, creative activities to keep toddlers engaged during the summer holidays, as experts warn that boredom and inactivity can affect children’s development and behavior.

The advice follows concerns that many parents struggle to manage toddlers’ high energy and curiosity when schools are closed and outdoor play becomes limited due to harsh weather conditions.

Child development specialists noted that engaging toddlers in playful, home-based activities not only keeps them occupied but also supports their mental, physical and emotional growth during the holiday period.

Among the recommended activities is water play, which involves allowing children to interact with water
using cups, spoons and toys, a method said to improve motor skills and coordination while keeping them cool and entertained.

Experts also noted coloring, storytelling and building blocks as effective ways to boost creativity, focus and imagination, stressing that such activities encourage children to express themselves and gradually improve their attention span.

Other suggested activities include indoor obstacle courses, pretend play, music and dance sessions, as well as simple sorting games, all of which help toddlers develop physical strength, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

They emphasized that play remains a critical tool for early childhood development, stressing that toddlers learn more effectively through interactive and enjoyable experiences than through formal teaching methods, as it enhances brain development, language acquisition, social skills and creativity.

Health and lifestyle experts have urged women to prioritize healthy living and challenge misconceptions surrounding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, assuring patients that the condition does not prevent them from living fulfilled and productive lives.

The call was made at the Complete 360 Woman Conference themed “Rebirth,” held in Lagos, where stakeholders emphasized the need for greater awareness and intentional self-care among women. At the conference, professionals across health, wellness and personal development sectors converged to address issues affecting women’s well-being and encourage self-rediscovery despite prevailing social and economic pressures.

Delivering the keynote address, Publisher of Exquisite Magazine, Tewa Onasanya, stressed the importance of mental transformation and self-belief, noting that many women unconsciously limit their own growth due to negative internal narratives. Onasanya said many individuals are constrained not by lack of competence or opportunity, but by beliefs that shape their decisions, adding that embracing a mindset of growth is essential to unlocking potential and achieving purpose.

She described “rebirth” as a continuous process, urging women to make daily decisions that prioritize purpose over fear, growth over comfort, and confidence over doubt in their personal and professional
journeys. Convener of the conference and global emotional intelligence coach, Omotola Ade-Onojobi, explained that the initiative was designed to help women reconnect with their purpose and unlock
hidden potential despite financial, emotional and marital challenges.

During a panel session titled “Revitalize Your Health,” nutritionist and Chief Executive Officer of Zeelicious Foods, Winifred Nwania, highlighted the role of balanced diets and healthy routines in managing hormonal conditions, noting that lifestyle choices significantly influence overall well-being.

Also speaking, actress and medical doctor, Annetta Adebusuyi, said women diagnosed with PCOS could still lead complete lives and achieve motherhood, stressing that proper management, accurate information and a positive mindset remain key to overcoming the condition.

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