WORLD
Advocates Philippines
WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak In Congo, Uganda A Global Health Emergency
FILE
The World Health Organization has officially declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
However, WHO clarified that the outbreak does not yet qualify as a pandemic emergency under international health regulations.
As of May 16, health authorities reported eight confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths in Congo’s Ituri Province. Uganda also confirmed two cases in Kampala involving travelers from Congo, including one death.
WHO warned that the actual number of infections could be much higher due to community deaths, limited tracing of cases, and ongoing humanitarian and security challenges in affected areas.
The agency also raised concerns over infections among healthcare workers and the lack of approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
WHO is now urging affected countries to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, border screening, hospital infection control, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further international spread.
Despite the emergency declaration, WHO advised countries not to close borders or impose travel and trade restrictions, saying such measures could worsen the situation and disrupt response efforts.
However, WHO clarified that the outbreak does not yet qualify as a pandemic emergency under international health regulations.
As of May 16, health authorities reported eight confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths in Congo’s Ituri Province. Uganda also confirmed two cases in Kampala involving travelers from Congo, including one death.
WHO warned that the actual number of infections could be much higher due to community deaths, limited tracing of cases, and ongoing humanitarian and security challenges in affected areas.
The agency also raised concerns over infections among healthcare workers and the lack of approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
WHO is now urging affected countries to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, border screening, hospital infection control, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further international spread.
Despite the emergency declaration, WHO advised countries not to close borders or impose travel and trade restrictions, saying such measures could worsen the situation and disrupt response efforts.
May 18, 2026
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