WHO Declares Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda caused by Bundibugyo virus a public health emergency of international concern. As of May 16, there are 8 confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths, with two confirmed cases appearing in Uganda.
Emergency Declaration
The WHO Director-General has determined that Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency.
Case Numbers and Geographic Spread
As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. In addition, two laboratory confirmed cases (including one death) with no apparent link to each other have been reported in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of each other, on 15 and 16 May 2026.
Outbreak Concerns
The high positivity rate of initial samples, confirmation of cases in both Kampala and Kinshasa, increasing trends in syndromic reporting and clusters of deaths all point towards a potentially larger outbreak, with significant local and regional risk of spread. Ongoing insecurity, humanitarian crisis, high population mobility, the urban nature of the current hotspot and large network of informal healthcare facilities further compound the risk of spread.
Treatment Challenges
Unlike Ebola-zaire strains, there are currently no approved Bundibugyo virus-specific therapeutics or vaccines.