Ebola outbreak: WHO declares Ebola outbreak as a global emergency

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

The WHO’s announcement comes after there has been a rise in suspected and confirmed Ebola cases in Eastern Congo. The region that has been hit the hardest is Ituri Province, where health authorities have reported 8 confirmed infections, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths as of the 16th May 2026.

Cases have also been detected in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. After infected travellers crossed the border from Congo.

Concerns over the spread

Health officials say the outbreak appears far larger than current confirmed figures suggest. Clusters of unexplained deaths have been reported across multiple health zones in Ituri and neighbouring North Kivu, while several healthcare workers have also died after showing symptoms consistent with viral hemorrhagic fever.

The WHO warned that insecurity in eastern Congo, a high population movement, and limited access to healthcare are making it difficult to trace infections and contain transmission. Authorities are particularly concerned about the spread through informal healthcare facilities and densely populated urban areas.

Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments specifically for the Bundibugyo virus strain involved in this outbreak.

Uganda reported imported cases

Uganda confirmed two unrelated Ebola infections in Kampala within 24 hours, including one death. Both patients had recently travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and were admitted to intensive care units.

A separate suspected case reported in Kinshasa later tested negative for the virus after confirmatory testing.

The WHO said the appearance of cases across borders shows the need for urgent regional coordination and preparedness, especially among neighbouring countries with strong trade and travel links to Congo.

Emergency measures introduced

The WHO has urged affected countries to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention and community awareness campaigns. Governments have also been advised to establish specialised treatment centres and improve protective measures for healthcare workers.

Border screening measures are being put in place at airports, ports and major road crossings to identify travellers with symptoms consistent with Ebola. Contacts of confirmed cases are being monitored and restricted from international travel for 21 days.

The WHO also recommended postponing mass gatherings in affected areas until transmission is brought under control.

Despite the growing outbreak, the WHO advised countries not to close borders or impose travel and trade restrictions. Officials warned that such measures could push movement across unmonitored crossings and disrupt response operations.

Instead, countries have been encouraged to increase preparedness, strengthen public communication and support rapid detection of any new cases.