The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), while stating that it does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the determination on Sunday after consulting the affected countries.
The decision follows a rise in confirmed and suspected cases in eastern DRC and cross-border cases in Uganda.
As of 16 May 2026, health authorities have reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province, DRC, across three health zones including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.
Two confirmed cases, one fatal, were reported in Kampala, Uganda, on 15 and 16 May in people who had travelled from DRC.
A further confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa on 16 May in a person returning from Ituri.
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The WHO said the outbreak was considered extraordinary due to the number of cases, evidence of healthcare-associated transmission, and the risk of wider spread.
Uncertainties remain over the true number of infections and the full geographic extent of the outbreak.
Unlike some Ebola strains, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus.
"International spread has already been documented," the WHO said, adding that the cases in Uganda.
Neighbouring countries with land borders to DRC are considered at high risk due to population movement and trade links.
The organisation said the situation requires coordinated international action to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, infection control, laboratory testing and case management.
An emergency committee will be convened to advise on temporary recommendations for member states.
For affected countries, the WHO advised activating national emergency mechanisms, establishing emergency operation centres, and expanding community engagement to support case finding and early treatment.
It also called for stronger infection prevention in health facilities, decentralised testing capacity, and safe referral pathways for patients.
For countries bordering affected areas, the WHO recommended urgent preparedness measures including enhanced surveillance, rapid response teams and access to diagnostic testing.
It advised against closing borders or restricting travel and trade, saying such measures can drive movement to informal crossings and undermine response efforts.
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