Oct. 29, 2026 — This updates our Oct. 27 report. Congo's Ebola outbreak has passed 10,000 cases, with 10,141 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths as of Monday, Oct. 26, according to the country's health ministry, UN News reported. It is the largest of Congo's 17 Ebola outbreaks and the second-largest anywhere, after West Africa's in 2014 to 2016, UN News reported. The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment; candidate vaccines are in trials. Kenya has recorded nine cases, including two deaths, all linked to its first case.
Oct. 29, 2026 — Christine Lagarde will step down as president of the European Central Bank on Feb. 7, 2027, the bank said Thursday, Oct. 29, after she informed its Governing Council and European Council President António Costa. Her successor will be appointed by the European Council under the process set out in the EU treaty. On the same day, the Governing Council kept its three key interest rates unchanged, with the deposit facility rate at 2.50%, saying rising energy prices pose upside risks to inflation and downside risks to growth.
Oct. 29, 2026 — Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in El Paso County after heavy rain and flooding in the Far West Texas region, his office said. The proclamation, signed Thursday, Oct. 29, says the storm that began Oct. 23 and brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding poses a threat of widespread and severe property damage, injury or loss of life. The declaration makes state resources available to local responders. The governor asked residents to report damage through the state's online iSTAT survey once it is safe.
Oct. 29, 2026 — Two children have died of the flu in San Diego County this month, a previously healthy 11-year-old and a 6-month-old with complex medical conditions, the County said, as the flu season starts early. The County has recorded 11 flu-related deaths and 516 hospitalizations this season, against two deaths and 86 hospitalizations at the same point last year. Positive flu tests are rising sharply, especially among children ages 5 to 17, according to the County's weekly surveillance report. Health officials recommend a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.