The return of Ebola

The return of Ebola

Author: The Times May 20, 2026 Duration: 26:22

A new Ebola outbreak, driven by a rare strain of the virus, has struck the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The rapid rise in cases and deaths suggests that the virus had been circulating for some time before the alarm was raised. So why wasn’t it detected sooner? And have recent international aid cuts made us more vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases? 


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Paul Hunter, professor in medicine, University of East Anglia. 

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producers: Micaela Arneson, Julia Webster.

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: ‘There are bodies everywhere’: ghost of ebola returns to haunt Congo

Further listening: How the hantavirus cruise ship nightmare unfolded - The Saturday Story

Clips: PBS, AFP.

Photo: Getty Images.



This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Story
Podcast Episodes
 Is the Iran war about to upend life in Britain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:40
The economic ripples caused by the Iran war are beginning to have an impact across the globe, from fuel rationing across South-East Asia, to fuel protests in Ireland. The IMF’s recent report on the global economy makes f…
How the Iran war could help China take Taiwan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
Behind the scenes of Iran’s war, China’s been forging alliances, stockpiling oil and building resilience in the form of renewable energy. So how could all of this help it attack Taiwan? When might it happen? And can anyo…
The Pope v Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:13
Over the weekend, Donald Trump posted an image of himself as a Jesus Christ like figure, which was subsequently deleted. It came after the President and the Pope exchanged a war of words over the conflict in Iran. What’s…
Did Trump lose Viktor Orban his election? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:48
Viktor Orban, the far-right prime minister of Hungary who led the country for 16 years, was ousted in a landslide electoral defeat on Sunday. He lost to his former ally turned critic, Péter Magyar, despite a strong show…
London Falling Part 2: The Truth - The Sunday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:26
In this special two part podcast, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times, Gabriel Pogrund, is joined by the preeminent investigative journalist and author Patrick Radden Keefe.On a cold November night in 2019, 19 year old…
London Falling Part 1:  The Fall - The Saturday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:56
In this special two part podcast, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times, Gabriel Pogrund, is joined by the preeminent investigative journalist and author Patrick Radden Keefe.On a cold November night in 2019, 19 year old…
INVESTIGATION: Is your sofa toxic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:25
For decades UK sofas have contained chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and infertility because of uniquely strict fire rules. Up to a fifth of their foam consists of a chemical not used in any other country’s sofa…
Trump's ceasefire with Iran - what’s in it and what next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
After mounting hostilities and Trump’s threats that ‘a whole civilization will die’ unless Iran backs down, Tehran and Washington have agreed to a two week ceasefire. Now, they’re discussing a ten-point plan to permanent…