Ebola outbreak spreads to four African countries as Nigeria confirms first case

The ongoing Ebola outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in May, has become the most geographically widespread in history, with cases now confirmed in four African countries. At least 4,600 people have died in the DRC alone, and the virus has spread to Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, with a single case also reported in France. Source: CNN

Kenya reports second death

Kenya recorded its second Ebola death on October 23: a 65-year-old woman who was a close relative of the first victim and developed symptoms while in quarantine. Source: BBC The health ministry reported seven other patients receiving treatment, all within "one cluster, with no evidence of community spread." Source: Al Jazeera Authorities have traced 135 contacts, with nine confirmed cases including the two deaths. Source: Al Jazeera

Nigeria's first case and the mystery of its origin

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case on October 20 in Abuja, involving the Ugandan-born wife of a Swiss diplomat. Source: The Guardian She began showing symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to hospital on October 11. Source: CNN The source of her infection remains unclear. The Swiss foreign ministry stated she had not traveled to the DRC, contradicting earlier accounts from Uganda. Source: The Guardian The Africa CDC is investigating whether she crossed paths with Kenya's first patient at Entebbe International Airport on October 3. Source: NPR However, virologist Marion Koopmans called this theory "very speculative." Source: The Guardian

Vaccine trial begins in DRC

The WHO announced the start of the first clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain in Bunia, DRC. Source: Al Jazeera The trial will test the Ervebo vaccine for cross-protection and will later incorporate two Bundibugyo-specific candidates from the University of Oxford and Moderna. Source: Al Jazeera