Four nurses and one laboratory worker have recovered from Ebola in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Health officials say more recoveries are expected as patients are diagnosed earlier and receive timely care.

The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with confirmed cases in the country rising to 282 and 42 deaths recorded after 19 new positive tests were identified. WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

The WHO said there is currently no licensed vaccine or treatment specifically for the Bundibugyo strain, but stressed that recovery is possible with good medical care. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted during a visit to Bunia that the situation “is not without hope.”

Authorities are also investigating suspected cases outside Africa. In Brazil, one suspected case tested positive for meningitis and another for malaria, while Ebola has not been confirmed. In Italy, a suspected case in Sardinia tested negative after initial concern.

Health officials warn that suspected cases linked to recent travel from affected regions are still being monitored in multiple countries. The Africa CDC says more than 1,100 suspected cases are under investigation, highlighting concerns about possible regional spread.