Ebola outbreaks in Africa must be stopped, White House says

All possible steps must be taken to stop Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea before they become large epidemics, the White House said Tuesday. Officials in Congo on Sunday confirmed four cases of the disease, while Guinea reported seven confirmed cases and three deaths. “We cannot afford to take our foot off the gas – even as we battle COVID, we must ensure capacity and financing for health security worldwide,” said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. She noted that National Security Advisory Jake Sullivan has talked with the ambassadors of the two affected countries, as well as Guinea’s neighbors, Sierra Leone and Liberia, to convey that the United States is ready to help. The World Health Organization is investigating the outbreaks to learn more about their origins and strains.