The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern for the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the agency announced Saturday (16). The WHO Director-General determined that the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus constitutes a global emergency but does not meet pandemic emergency criteria. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 12 - Determination of a public health emergency of international concern, including a pandemic emergency of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), after having consulted the States Parties where the event is known to be currently occurring, is hereby determining that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency, as defined in the IHR."
According to WHO, as of May 16, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths were reported in Ituri Province, eastern Congo, across at least three health zones. Two confirmed cases were reported in Kampala, Uganda, among people who traveled from Congo, and one confirmed case was registered in Kinshasa, Congo's capital, in a person returning from Ituri. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. In addition, two laboratory confirmed cases (including one death) with no apparent link to each other have been reported in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of each other, on 15 and 16 May 2026, among two individuals travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 16 May, a laboratory confirmed case has also been reported in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among someone returning from Ituri."
The declaration was based on factors considered "extraordinary" by WHO, including the death of at least four healthcare workers in a clinical context suggestive of viral hemorrhagic fever, raising concerns about healthcare-associated transmission. The agency also noted that, unlike Ebola-Zaire strains, there are no approved treatments or vaccines specific to the Bundibugyo virus. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"In addition, at least four deaths among healthcare workers in a clinical context suggestive of viral haemorrhagic fever have been reported from the affected area raising concerns regarding healthcare-associated transmission, gaps in infection prevention and control measures, and the potential for amplification within health facilities."
"However, unlike for Ebola-zaire strains, there are currently no approved Bundibugyo virus-specific therapeutics or vaccines. As such, this event is considered extraordinary."
Brazil has surveillance protocols for viral hemorrhagic fevers at ports, airports and borders established by Anvisa since March, through Technical Note No. 6/2026, which guides epidemiological surveillance for Ebola and similar diseases at entry points into the country. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2026/SEI/COVIG/GGPAF/DIRE5/ANVISA Processo nº 25351.912546/2023-51 Orientações e atualização das atividades de vigilância epidemiológica das Febres Hemorrágicas Virais (FHV) para Portos, Aeroportos e Fronteiras."
WHO declared public health emergency of international concern on May 16 for Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda
80 suspected deaths reported in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Four deaths among healthcare workers raise concerns about healthcare-associated transmission
Absence of approved Bundibugyo-specific treatments influenced WHO decision
Conflicting versions (1)
Death toll reported by Congo Health Ministry
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What specific measures will Brazil implement in response to WHO's emergency declaration?
Why it's still unknown: Neither WHO nor Brazilian authorities detailed specific response protocols to the PHEIC declaration for Brazil
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What is the effectiveness of existing Ebola-Zaire treatments against the Bundibugyo strain?
Why it's still unknown: WHO mentions absence of Bundibugyo-specific treatments but doesn't detail whether treatments for other strains may have partial efficacy
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How does the observed lethality in the current outbreak compare to historical data for the Bundibugyo strain?
Why it's still unknown: Sources report absolute numbers of cases and deaths but don't calculate the current outbreak's case fatality rate or compare it to the historical 32.8% rate for Bundibugyo strain