WHO declares international emergency after Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The WHO explained that “Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, but it does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.”

The WHO said that “the aim of this declaration is to place neighboring countries on the highest alert and mobilize support from the international community.”

According to the organization, “eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones.” Ituri province borders Uganda and South Sudan in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It added: “In addition, two laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala, Uganda, with no clear epidemiological link between them, within a 24-hour period on May 15 and 16, 2026, involving two people who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Ebola is considered a contagious and life-threatening disease, and the virus is transmitted through physical contact and contact with bodily fluids.