Why WHO declared Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a global health emergency? EXPLAINED

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Updated May 17, 2026 06:45 PM IST

WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a global health emergency after confirmed cross-border cases, rising suspected deaths, and fears of wider spread linked to the Bundibugyo virus.

The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The announcement has sparked global concern, especially after confirmed cross-border cases emerged in Uganda.

Here’s a closer look at what is happening, why the outbreak is serious, and what WHO has advised countries to do.

What has WHO declared?

WHO said the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain now qualifies as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under international health regulations.

A PHEIC is WHO’s highest level of health alert and is issued when an outbreak poses a serious risk to multiple countries and may require coordinated international action.

However, WHO clarified that the situation does not currently meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.

What is the Bundibugyo virus?

Bundibugyo virus is one of the strains of the Ebola virus family. It causes Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe illness that can lead to fever, internal bleeding, organ failure and death.

Unlike the more widely known Ebola-Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain, making the outbreak more difficult to contain.

How severe is the outbreak?

According to WHO, as of May 16, 2026, authorities in Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo had reported:

Eight laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases
Around 246 suspected cases
Nearly 80 suspected deaths

The outbreak has spread across several health zones including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.

Uganda has also confirmed two Ebola cases in Kampala, including one death. Both infected individuals had travelled from DR Congo.

Why is WHO worried?

WHO believes the actual number of infections may be much higher than the reported figures.

Health officials are concerned because:

Multiple unexplained clusters of deaths have been reported in affected regions
Several healthcare workers have died with symptoms linked to viral haemorrhagic fever
There are gaps in infection prevention inside medical facilities
Population movement between DR Congo and neighbouring countries remains high

The agency also warned that insecurity, armed conflict, humanitarian challenges and weak healthcare infrastructure in eastern DR Congo could make containment efforts harder.

Is there a risk of international spread?

Yes. WHO confirmed that international spread has already occurred after Uganda detected two confirmed cases linked to travel from DR Congo.
Countries bordering DR Congo are considered at high risk because of active trade, migration and transport routes.
WHO fears the outbreak could expand further if surveillance and containment measures are not strengthened quickly.

What measures has WHO recommended?

WHO has urged affected countries to immediately strengthen emergency response systems.

The agency’s recommendations include:

Expanding surveillance and contact tracing
Increasing laboratory testing capacity
Improving infection prevention measures in hospitals
Training healthcare workers and ensuring availability of PPE
Setting up specialised treatment centres
Conducting cross-border screening and airport checks
Restricting travel for confirmed cases and close contacts
Improving public awareness campaigns through local and religious leaders

WHO has also asked countries to prepare rapid response teams and improve coordination between health agencies.

Will countries close borders or stop travel?

WHO has advised against border closures and trade restrictions.

According to the agency, such measures are often driven by fear rather than science and may push people to use unofficial border routes, making the outbreak harder to monitor.

Instead, WHO has recommended stronger screening at airports, ports and land crossings in affected areas.

What happens next?WHO is expected to convene an Emergency Committee soon to assess the evolving situation and issue temporary recommendations for countries.

Health authorities are now racing to contain the outbreak before it spreads further across the region.

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