WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concern
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern due to rising cases and cross-border spread. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in 80 suspected deaths and nine confirmed cases, with no approved specific treatments or vaccines available. While international spread has been documented, the WHO advises against travel and trade restrictions to prevent unmonitored border crossings.
- ▪The Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved therapeutics or vaccines.
- ▪As of Saturday, 80 suspected deaths, nine laboratory-confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases were reported in the DRC's Ituri province and other areas.
- ▪International spread has been documented, with confirmed cases in Uganda's Kampala and the DRC's Kinshasa linked to travel from affected regions.
- ▪The WHO advises isolating confirmed cases, monitoring contacts, and restricting travel but urges against border closures to avoid unmonitored crossings.
- ▪This is the DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak, and all but one prior outbreaks were caused by the Ebola-Zaire strain.
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WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concernSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 17, 2026, 09:03 PMUpdated May 17, 2026, 09:03 PMMay 17 - An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation, after 80 suspected deaths and nine laboratory-confirmed cases.The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency but that countries sharing land borders with the DRC are at high risk of further spread.On Sunday, the U.N.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.