WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Congo-Uganda a Global Health Emergency
The Voice of Chandigarh
The World Health Organization has officially declared the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). However, WHO clarified that the outbreak does not currently qualify as a pandemic emergency.
As of 16 May 2026, authorities have reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections and 80 suspected deaths in Congo’s Ituri Province, particularly in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu health zones. Uganda has also confirmed two imported cases in Kampala, including one death, involving travelers arriving from Congo.
WHO warned that the actual scale of the outbreak could be significantly larger due to high positivity rates, rising clusters of unexplained deaths, infections among healthcare workers and gaps in disease surveillance. The situation is further complicated by insecurity, humanitarian challenges, heavy population movement and the presence of informal healthcare facilities in eastern Congo.
Unlike the more common Ebola-Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments available for the Bundibugyo virus, increasing global concern over the outbreak.
WHO Director-General praised the governments of Congo and Uganda for their transparency and rapid response measures and announced that an Emergency Committee will soon meet to recommend further international action.
WHO has urged affected nations to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection control, safe burials and border screening. Neighboring countries have also been advised to enhance preparedness and emergency response systems immediately.
At the same time, WHO advised all countries not to impose travel or trade bans, stating that such restrictions are not scientifically justified and may worsen the crisis by encouraging unmonitored cross-border movement.
