HealthWorldHOTSunday, May 17, 2026

WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DRC, Uganda a Global Health Emergency

TLDR

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC & Uganda a global health emergency.
132 deaths confirmed; 513 suspected cases in DRC alone.
Uganda reports 1 death as virus spreads faster than expected.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration, made on Sunday, concerns the Bundibugyo virus strain affecting Ituri province in the DRC. As of Saturday, the outbreak had resulted in eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths. While not classified as a pandemic emergency, the WHO warns that countries bordering the DRC are at high risk for further spread, noting that no approved treatments or vaccines exist for this strain.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 20 · 7:33 AM

The death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to at least 131, with suspected cases now at 513. Neighboring Uganda has reported one death linked to the outbreak. The WHO has warned that the virus is spreading faster than initially anticipated and has reached several significant areas within the DRC.

Update #2\u00b7 May 17 · 7:30 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. Approximately 300 cases have been reported across both nations, with 88 deaths confirmed.

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