Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern

Key Points:

• The WHO Director-General has declared the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), but not a pandemic emergency, due to its extraordinary nature and international spread risk.
• As of May 16, 2026, there have been 8 laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths reported in Ituri Province, DRC, with additional confirmed cases in Kampala, Uganda, and Kinshasa, highlighting a potentially larger outbreak than currently detected.
• The outbreak poses a significant risk of international spread, especially to neighboring countries with land borders, due to population mobility, trade, and ongoing epidemiological uncertainties, necessitating international coordination and cooperation.
• WHO has issued detailed recommendations for affected countries, including activating emergency operations, enhancing surveillance, infection prevention and control, community engagement, safe burials, and cross-border screening, while urging neighboring countries to strengthen preparedness and readiness.
• WHO advises against travel and trade restrictions or border closures, emphasizing that such measures can worsen disease spread and response efforts, and recommends providing accurate risk information to travelers and the public, with no entry screening needed outside affected regions.