Story perspectives

Wrong Ebola Test Delays Response; Trump Reacts, Americans Evacuated

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Matthew M. Kavanagh said tests targeted the wrong Ebola strain, causing false negatives and delaying response after doctor Peter Stafford tested positive for Bundibugyo strain in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Province.
President Donald Trump said he was concerned about the outbreak.
Seven Americans, including infected doctor, were flown to Germany for care after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention imposed a suspension for Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

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Story summary

Matthew M. Kavanagh said tests targeted the wrong Ebola strain, causing false negatives and delaying response after doctor Peter Stafford tested positive for Bundibugyo strain in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Province.
President Donald Trump said he was concerned about the outbreak.
Seven Americans, including infected doctor, were flown to Germany for care after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention imposed a suspension for Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.