The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO cited the rising cases, cross-border spread, and significant uncertainties about the epidemic’s scale as reasons for the declaration.
The decision, announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus on Sunday, follows reports of both confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
While the situation is serious, it does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency under WHO’s International Health Regulations.
As of May 16, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC.
Cases have also been confirmed in the capital, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, where two infected individuals traveled from DRC and were admitted to intensive care.
WHO warned that the outbreak is likely larger than detected, pointing to clusters of unexplained deaths, a high positivity rate among tested samples, and limited understanding of transmission patterns.
At least four healthcare worker deaths have raised concerns about infection prevention measures in health facilities.
The agency stressed that the outbreak poses a risk to neighboring countries due to high population mobility, trade links, and ongoing humanitarian challenges in affected regions.
Despite the risks, WHO does not recommend restrictions on international travel or trade.
It urged countries to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and community engagement, while ensuring accurate public information.
Authorities in DRC and Uganda have been advised to activate emergency response mechanisms, enhance contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention, and increase treatment capacity.
Community engagement, including collaboration with local and religious leaders, is also critical to controlling the outbreak.
WHO highlighted that there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, underscoring the need to accelerate research and clinical trials.
An Emergency Committee will be convened to provide further recommendations as global health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent wider spread.
