WHO Declares Public Health Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in response to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. As of May 22, 2026, the outbreak has resulted in over 750 suspected cases and 177 deaths, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The outbreak is concentrated in the Ituri Province of northeastern DRC, particularly affecting the Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones. The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatments exist, has been identified as the cause.

In Uganda, two confirmed cases have been reported, both linked to individuals who had traveled from the DRC. No local transmission has been identified in Uganda to date.

The WHO has raised its risk assessment for the outbreak to "very high" due to rapid spread, underreporting, and limited resources in the region. The organization is scaling up support to the DRC government, deploying response teams to affected areas, and coordinating international efforts to contain the outbreak.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing violence and insecurity in the region, which hampers surveillance and response efforts. The WHO emphasizes the need for international coordination and support to effectively address the outbreak and prevent further spread.