WHO declares international emergency over Ebola outbreak in Africa
Photo: emblem of the World Health Organization (Getty Images)
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda an international public health emergency.
The WHO said the situation meets the criteria of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the risk of the disease spreading beyond the region, but stressed that it is not currently a pandemic.
What is known about the outbreak
As of May 16, 2026, eight cases of Bundibugyo virus infection have been confirmed in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, medical authorities have recorded 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths.
New cases have also been identified in Uganda. In the capital Kampala, two infections were confirmed on May 15 and 16, one of which was fatal. Both patients had arrived from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Another confirmed case was recorded in Kinshasa after a person returned from Ituri.
The WHO emphasized that the actual number of infected people may be significantly higher, as multiple clusters of deaths and suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases have been reported in the region.
Why the situation is concerning
According to the organization, particular concern is raised by deaths among healthcare workers in clinics, which may indicate transmission within medical facilities and weaknesses in infection control systems.
The WHO also pointed to the humanitarian crisis, high population mobility, and instability in the region, all of which increase the risk of further spread of the virus.
In addition, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, unlike other Ebola strains.
The WHO warned that neighboring countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo face a high risk of further spread due to active transport and trade links.
The organization stressed the need to strengthen epidemic control measures and ensure countries are prepared to contain a potential outbreak.
The WHO Director-General, under the International Health Regulations, is expected to convene an Emergency Committee soon. Experts are expected to provide recommendations to states on further actions and possible temporary restrictions in response to the situation.
RBC-Ukraine previously examined whether a new pandemic could emerge due to hantavirus.
We also reported that some cruise ship passengers traveled to different countries before the virus was detected.
