WHO Declares International Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak In Africa
1- 17.05.2026, 11:43
- 1,072
There are simply no approved vaccines or drugs against this strain.
The World Health Organization has recognized the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as an international emergency.
The WHO reports.
The WHO said the situation meets the criteria of an emergency of international concern because of the risk of the disease spreading outside the region, but it is not yet a pandemic.
What is known about the outbreak
As of May 16, 2026, eight cases of Bundibugyo virus infection have been confirmed in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, health officials have recorded 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths.
New cases have also been found in Uganda. Two cases of infection, one of which was fatal, were confirmed in the capital Kampala on May 15 and 16. Both patients came from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another confirmed case was recorded in Kinshasa after a man returned from Ituri.
The WHO said the actual number of infected people could be much higher as numerous clusters of deaths and suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever are being recorded in the region.
Why the situation is worrisome
The organization said a separate concern is the deaths of health workers in clinics, which could indicate the spread of infection in health facilities and problems with the infection control system.
The WHO also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis, high population mobility and the unstable situation in the region, which increase the risk of further spread of the virus.
In addition, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, unlike other strains of Ebola.
The WHO warned that neighboring states to the Democratic Republic of Congo have a high risk of further spread of the disease due to active transport and trade links.
The organization noted the need to strengthen anti-epidemic measures, as well as the readiness of countries to contain the possible spread of the virus.
The WHO Director-General, in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations, should soon convene an Emergency Committee. Experts are expected to make recommendations to states on further actions and possible time limits in response to the situation.
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