WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda a Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern." The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has resulted in over 500 suspected cases and 130 deaths, with confirmed cases in both countries.

In the DRC's Ituri Province, health authorities have reported 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths as of May 16, 2026. The outbreak has also spread to Uganda, where two confirmed cases have been reported.

The Bundibugyo strain is a rarer type of Ebola for which no approved vaccines or treatments exist. The WHO has emphasized the need for international coordination to prevent further regional and cross-border transmission.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has mobilized response activities, including enhanced travel screening and public health measures, to prevent the virus from entering the United States. The CDC has also issued travel advisories for the affected regions, recommending against all nonessential travel to the DRC and cautioning travelers to Uganda.

The WHO and other international health organizations continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with local authorities to implement response measures, including deployment of rapid response teams, delivery of medical supplies, and community engagement to control the outbreak.