The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
However, the WHO said the outbreak does not meet the threshold for classification as a pandemic emergency under the International Health Regulations (2005).
In a statement published Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the decision followed consultations with both countries and was based on scientific evidence, the risk of international spread, and the potential effect on international travel and trade.
The WHO commended the governments of DR Congo and Uganda for their response efforts and transparency in reporting the outbreak.
As of May 16, 2026, the WHO said eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths had been recorded in Ituri Province in DR Congo across the Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu health zones.
The agency also confirmed two laboratory-confirmed cases in Kampala, including one death, involving individuals who traveled from DR Congo.
In addition, one confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa involving a traveler returning from Ituri Province.
The WHO said unusual clusters of community deaths and suspected infections had been recorded in Ituri and neighboring North Kivu, raising concerns about wider transmission.
The organization added that at least four healthcare workers had died in circumstances suggesting viral hemorrhagic fever, heightening concerns about healthcare-associated transmission and gaps in infection control measures.
“There are significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread associated with this event at the present time,” the statement said.
The WHO warned that the outbreak could be larger than currently detected, citing a high positivity rate among tested samples, rising reports of suspected cases and deaths, and the spread to urban centers.
The agency said insecurity, humanitarian challenges, population movement and informal healthcare networks could further increase transmission risks.
It also noted the absence of approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Tedros said an Emergency Committee would be convened under the International Health Regulations framework to advise on temporary recommendations and additional response measures for member states.
