Ebola: WHO declares global health emergency as death toll hits 81 in DRC, Uganda
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 […]
