WHO Declares Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency as Virus Spreads to Uganda
The World Health Organization has declared an outbreak of Ebola caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, with cases now confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak is particularly challenging because there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for this rare Ebola strain.
What Happened
On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization determined that the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, and as of May 16, 2026, a total of 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been reported.
As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province across at least three health zones, and two laboratory confirmed cases have been reported in Kampala, Uganda, among individuals travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Why It Matters
The epidemic is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a virus belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus, and unlike Ebola virus causing Ebola virus disease, there is no currently approved therapeutics or vaccines against Bundibugyo virus. The Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus has historically been associated with somewhat lower case fatality rates than other species of Ebola virus disease, though previous outbreaks of BVD have had mortality rates of approximately 25%-50%.
The outbreak is occurring in areas affected by insecurity, population displacement, mining-related population movement, and frequent cross-border travel, all of which may increase the risk of further transmission.
Response and International Coordination
The Commission is supporting the development of vaccines and treatments through a EUR €7.4 million contribution agreement with the World Health Organization, and the EU co-financed WHO AFRO Hub in Dakar has delivered 6.3 tonnes of critical supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo, including specialised personal protective equipment and medication. On May 18, 2026, CDC, DHS, and other appropriate federal agencies announced enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures to prevent Ebola disease from entering the United States.
What to Watch Next
While candidate therapeutics are considered for clinical trials and work is ongoing to fast-track candidate vaccines evaluation, the control of the epidemic relies on scaling-up public health interventions. CDC is working through its country offices and partners in DRC and Uganda to provide technical assistance with disease tracking and contact tracing, laboratory sample collection and testing, virus sequencing, and coordination with affected countries and international public health partners.