The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
However, the WHO said the outbreak does not meet the criteria for classification as a pandemic emergency under the International Health Regulations (2005).
In a statement, on its website Sunday morning, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the decision followed consultations with both affected countries and was based on scientific evidence, the risk of international spread and the potential impact on international travel and trade.
The global health body commended the governments of DR Congo and Uganda for their response efforts and transparency in reporting the outbreak.
According to WHO, as of May 16, 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths had been reported in Ituri Province of DR Congo across Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu health zones.
The agency also confirmed two laboratory-confirmed cases in Kampala, including one death, among individuals who had travelled from DR Congo.
In addition, one confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa involving a traveller returning from Ituri Province.
WHO said unusual clusters of community deaths and suspected infections had been recorded across Ituri and neighbouring North Kivu, raising concerns over wider transmission.
The organisation further disclosed that at least four healthcare workers had died in circumstances suggestive of viral haemorrhagic fever, heightening fears of healthcare-associated transmission and gaps in infection control measures.
“There are significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread associated with this event at the present time,” the statement noted.
WHO warned that the outbreak could be much larger than currently detected, citing the high positivity rate among tested samples, increasing reports of suspected cases and deaths, and the spread to urban centres.
The agency noted that insecurity, humanitarian challenges, population movement and informal healthcare networks could further worsen transmission risks.
It also highlighted the absence of approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
The WHO Director-General said an Emergency Committee would be convened under the International Health Regulations framework to advise on temporary recommendations and further response measures for member states.
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