The World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda “a public health emergency of international concern”.
The WHO said that as of 16 May, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the DRC across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. Unusual clusters of community deaths with symptoms compatible with Bundibugyo virus disease have been reported across several health zones in Ituri, and suspected cases have been reported across Ituri and North Kivu.
In addition, two laboratory confirmed cases (including one death) with no apparent link to each other have been reported in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of each other, on 15 and 16 May 2026, among two individuals travelling from the DRC.
“There are currently no approved Bundibugyo virus-specific therapeutics or vaccines. As such, this event is considered extraordinary,” the WHO says.
Uncertainty around spread
