The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement after health authorities reported 336 suspected cases and at least 87 confirmed deaths.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, a rare Ebola variant for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. The virus emerged in late April in Congo's Ituri province and has since spread to urban centers including Bunia, complicating containment efforts.
The outbreak crossed into Uganda after at least one confirmed fatality in Kampala, the country's capital. The cross-border spread prompted the WHO to escalate its response, warning that the true number of infections may be significantly higher than current figures suggest.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya confirmed significant uncertainties remain about how extensively the virus has spread beyond initial detection points. Contact tracing has been hampered by frequent community burials that occur before health workers can identify and isolate infected individuals.
The international community is mobilizing resources to support containment while researchers work on developing a vaccine for the Bundibugyo variant. Health authorities in both countries have implemented strict infection control measures at hospitals and border crossings in affected regions.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Sunday, May 17, 2026 based on reporting from 6 verified news sources across 2 countries. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.