WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a public health emergency after 80 suspected deaths
The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a public health emergency following 80 suspected deaths. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has spread across multiple health zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo and into neighboring Uganda. Unlike previous outbreaks, this strain has no approved vaccines or treatments, complicating containment efforts.
- ▪The WHO reported 80 suspected Ebola deaths, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- ▪Two confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, were reported in Uganda's capital Kampala in individuals who had traveled from the DRC.
- ▪A confirmed case was also identified in Kinshasa, the DRC's capital, involving a person returning from Ituri province.
- ▪Initial testing indicates the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, not the more deadly Ebola Zaire strain.
- ▪The WHO stated the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.
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World Health Organization WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a public health emergency after 80 suspected deaths The Bundibugyo virus strain has no approved vaccines or therapeutics, making the outbreak 'extraordinary,' the WHO said By Michael Sinkewicz Fox News Published May 17, 2026 2:44am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video No known cases of hantavirus in US as officials continue to monitor potential exposure Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel explains bio-containment efforts for hantavirus and praises Dr.
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