What we know about latest Ebola outbreak

What we know about latest Ebola outbreak

Author: BBC World Service May 18, 2026 Duration: 28:47

There have been more than 390 suspected cases and more than 80 reported deaths from the new species of Ebola, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection has already spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring Uganda, while Rwanda and South Sudan are now on "high alert". Health officials are warning that the variant is deadlier than previous outbreaks.

Also: International efforts to contain the Hantavirus are ongoing, as the cruise ship at the centre of the outbreak arrives in the Netherlands for disinfection. The Ukrainian military claim Russian forces are preparing for a major offensive in the summer. Spain's High Court has acquitted the Colombian singer Shakira of tax fraud and ordered her to get almost $65,000,000 in fines she had paid, plus interest. We get the latest on the Italian tourists who went missing whilst scuba diving in the Maldives. Why Swatch's Royal Pop collaboration with the Swiss luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet is causing chaos at shops around the world... and the drink that's putting an end to France's long-term love affair with wine.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
UAE quits oil cartel Opec after six decades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
The United Arab Emirates says quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations will provide more flexibility. The move is being seen as a blow to the groups' de facto leader Saudi Arabia. Also, Russia ha…
King Charles visits the US to smooth frayed relations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in the US to smooth over frayed relations between Washington and London. President Trump hosts afternoon tea at the White House. We'll look at whether the royal visit will make a dif…
Suspect due in court after shooting at Trump press dinner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:50
The Californian man suspected of trying to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington attended by President Trump and other senior administration figures is due in court to face charges of assaulting a fe…
Motives of suspected Washington gunman under scrutiny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
The suspected gunman at the White House correspondents' dinner, Cole Tomas Allen, is a 31-year-old Californian who reportedly worked as a tutor. Donald Trump says the suspect had a manifesto and "hatred in his heart" - b…
Donald Trump evacuated from dinner after shots fired [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:47
A person is in custody after shots fired at event with President Trump. He praised the secret service operative who'd intercepted him. The US president and the first lady were unharmed. Also with Mr Trump was the US Vice…
The Happy Pod: I invented a way for my brother to communicate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
Ari wanted to help his brother Ben engage with the world after he lost the ability to walk, talk or move his hands. So he designed and built him a bespoke communication and entertainment system - allowing him to chat, go…
US and Iran travel to Pakistan for peace talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
US and Iran delegations are travelling to Pakistan for further peace talks - but there might not be a direct meeting between the two sides. We ask our world affairs editor about the likelihood of progress in Islamabad, a…
Spain dismisses reports US wants it suspended from Nato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Nato says there is no provision for members to be suspended - after reports the US is considering trying to suspend Spain over its stance on the Iran war. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez has dismissed the reports.…
The Lebanon ceasefire is 'extended by three weeks' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
President Trump says the Lebanon ceasefire has been extended for another three weeks, after hosting talks with diplomats from Israel and Lebanon at the White House, but insisted he won't "rush" a deal with Iran. Also: th…