WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda a global health emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern due to over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. While the DRC accounts for most cases, two confirmed cases in Uganda are linked to travel from the DRC, raising concerns about regional spread.
- ▪The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
- ▪Over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths have been reported, with the DRC accounting for all but two cases.
- ▪The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare form of Ebola with no approved therapeutics or vaccines.
- ▪Two cases in Uganda were confirmed, both linked to travel from the DRC, and are not believed to be connected.
- ▪The WHO advised isolation of cases and restricted travel but urged against border closures to prevent unmonitored crossings.
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News|EbolaWHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda a global health emergencyDR Congo accounts for all except two of the more than 300 suspected cases, both of which were reported in neighbouring Uganda.SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoA health official uses a thermometer to screen people in front of Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, on May 16, 2026 [Hajarah Nalwadda/AP Photo]By AP and ReutersPublished On 17 May 202617 May 2026The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern” after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported.In a social media post…
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