Published on: 2026-05-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The decision was made by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in accordance with international health regulations amid concerns that the epidemic could escalate into a regional crisis that may get out of control.
As of May 16, 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease have been registered in the Ituri Eastern Province of the DRC, along with 246 suspected cases and 80 presumed deaths. A suspected infection outbreak has also been recorded in the neighboring province of North Kivu.
International concern has intensified after the confirmation of two cases of illness in the Ugandan capital Kampala among travelers arriving from the DRC. One of the patients has died. Another confirmed case was detected in Kinshasa — more than two thousand kilometers from the main outbreak source.
In its statement, WHO emphasizes that the outbreak represents a high risk for international public health, although it does not yet meet the criteria for a global pandemic. The organization pointed to a number of aggravating factors, including ongoing instability in eastern DR Congo, a humanitarian crisis, high population density in some areas, and the presence of a branched network of informal medical facilities, which makes disease tracking difficult.
VOZ warns that high population mobility and active cross-border trade may contribute to the further spread of the virus.
The organization also expressed concern about cases of infection among medical workers. It is reported that at least four medical professionals have died with symptoms characteristic of viral hemorrhagic fever. According to WHO data, this indicates shortcomings in the system of prevention and infection control, including the insufficiency of protective equipment and staff training.
An additional concern is the absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment against the Bundibugyo strain. Unlike the better-studied Zaïre strain, this virus variant remains less researched.
WHO called on the authorities of the DRC and Uganda to urgently strengthen epidemic surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacities, and isolation of suspected cases, as well as to activate information campaigns among the population.
At the same time, the organization does not recommend closing borders or stopping international trade, warning that such measures could lead to uncontrolled illegal movements and exacerbate the spread of the infection.
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