The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, after a sharp rise in deaths and infections. The epidemic, caused by the rarer Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has so far killed at least 81 people in both countries and triggered a global health alert.
According to WHO and Africa CDC figures, as of 16–17 May 2026 the DRC’s Ituri Province has reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and about 80 suspected deaths across health zones including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. Uganda has confirmed two cases — including one death — in Kampala among travellers from Congo within 24 hours of each other.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the emergency declaration after consulting authorities in Kinshasa and Kampala and convening an emergency committee under the International Health Regulations. The organisation stressed that while the situation meets the threshold for a global health emergency, it does not yet qualify as a pandemic under current definitions.
Scientists say the Bundibugyo species, first identified in Uganda in 2007, has rarely been seen on this scale. Early investigations suggest the virus may have been spreading undetected in remote communities for weeks, with several infections linked to health facilities where nurses and other frontline workers have been infected.
Neighbouring countries have begun tightening surveillance at land borders and airports, introducing temperature checks, health questionnaires and emergency isolation areas for suspected cases. WHO has advised against blanket travel and trade bans but urged all states to enhance preparedness, strengthen infection prevention in hospitals and support rapid response teams in affected areas.
Health officials warn that community engagement will be critical to contain the outbreak, including safe burials, early reporting of symptoms and combating misinformation about the disease. International partners are now mobilising vaccines, treatments and logistics support as DRC and Uganda race to prevent the epidemic from spreading deeper into densely populated regions.
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