S2E20 Containing Ebola: Fear, Caregiving, and Outbreak Response

A new Ebola outbreak is unfolding in Central Africa — this time caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus. As cases rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, fear and misinformation are spreading too. In this episode, we break down: What Ebola actually is How Ebola spreads — and how it doesn’t Why healthcare workers and caregivers are at highest risk What happens inside the body during Ebola infection Why Ebola outbreaks amplify through strained systems The latest updates on the 2026 Bundibugyo outbreak Newly released genomic data suggesting a possible new spillover event Hot Zone Hotline for listener questions This episode also explores the human side of Ebola outbreaks: caregiving, fear, stigma, survival, and the difficult realities faced by affected communities. Companion blog post with transcript, references, outbreak updates, and photographs from the 1995 Kikwit outbreak: Infectious Dose Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter, Field Notes, for outbreak updates and behind-the-scenes context.