What do we know about the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda?
The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has led to confirmed cases in both countries, with the DRC being the most affected. The WHO has noted significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infections and the potential for further spread.
- ▪The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
- ▪As of now, there are eight lab-confirmed cases and 80 suspected deaths.
- ▪The DRC has experienced 17 outbreaks of Ebola since the virus was discovered in 1976.
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What do we know about the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda?Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxAmbulances parked at Bunia General Referral Hospital following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 16, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Victoire MukengePublished May 17, 2026, 09:53 PMUpdated May 17, 2026, 09:53 PMJOHANNESBURG, May 17 - The World Health Organization on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to be a public health emergency of international concern.The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency but that countries sharing land borders…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.