WHO declares Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
6 reported
On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization Director-General determined that the epidemic of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, but does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency. The Director-General convened the first meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee on 19 May 2026, and the committee’s advice aligned with that determination. The committee acknowledged the epidemic is occurring in one of the most challenging operational environments possible. As of 22 May 2026, Uganda has reported two confirmed cases, both with epidemiological links to areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with documented transmission, and no onward transmission among contacts has been documented. The WHO Secretariat assessed the risk as “Very high” for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and “High” for Uganda. Unlike Ebola virus disease, there are no currently approved therapeutics or vaccines against Bundibugyo virus. The Director-General issued temporary recommendations to all States Parties, including measures on coordination, surveillance, infection prevention, and community engagement.
What’s reported
On 17 May 2026, the WHO Director-General determined the Bundibugyo virus epidemic in the DRC and Uganda is a public health emergency of international concern but not a pandemic emergency.
The IHR Emergency Committee first met on 19 May 2026 and aligned with that determination.
As of 22 May 2026, Uganda reported two confirmed cases, both with epidemiological links to DRC areas with transmission; no onward transmission among contacts was documented.
The WHO Secretariat assessed risk as “Very high” for the DRC and “High” for Uganda as of 22 May 2026.
No approved therapeutics or vaccines exist for Bundibugyo virus; control relies on public health interventions.
Temporary recommendations include coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention, risk communication, and community engagement.
Key figures
Director-General of the World Health Organization (name not specified in article)
IHR Emergency Committee (members not individually named)
Sources: World Health Organization
