The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern on Saturday night (May 16, 2026) due to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The decision was made after consultation with affected countries, according to the International Health Regulations of 2005. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"On 16 May 2026, the Director-General of WHO, after having consulted the States Parties where the event is known to be currently occurring as defined in the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC and Uganda constitutes a PHEIC."
According to WHO's official statement, as of May 16, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths were reported in Ituri Province, Congo, across at least three health zones: Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. In Uganda, two laboratory-confirmed cases — including one death — were recorded in Kampala on May 15 and 16, involving people who traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"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."
WHO classified the event as "extraordinary" because, unlike Ebola-Zaire strains, there are no approved specific therapeutics or vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus. The organization warned that countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo face high risk of spread, but said the outbreak "does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency". ✓
Press quotes (2)
"However, unlike for Ebola-zaire strains, there are currently no approved Bundibugyo virus-specific therapeutics or vaccines. As such, this event is considered extraordinary."
"A OMS disse que o surto, causado pelo vírus Bundibugyo, não atende aos critérios de uma emergência pandêmica, mas que os países que compartilham fronteiras terrestres com a República Democrática do Congo correm alto risco de propagação."
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. WHO considers the outbreak may be "much larger" than currently detected, given the high positivity rate of initial samples and the growing number of suspected cases. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O 17º surto no país, onde o Ebola foi identificado pela primeira vez em 1976, pode, de fato, ser muito maior, dada a alta taxa de positividade das amostras iniciais e o número crescente de casos suspeitos que estão sendo relatados, disse a OMS."
WHO declared public health emergency of international concern on the night of May 16, 2026
Outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved specific vaccines or treatments
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Historical comparison with previous Bundibugyo outbreaks in 2007-2008 and 2012
Conflicting versions (1)
Numbers of deaths and reported cases
-
What specific protocols did Brazil activate in response to the WHO declaration?
Why it's still unknown: No Brazilian outlet reported preventive measures by Anvisa or Ministry of Health in response to the international emergency
-
What is the specific mortality rate of Bundibugyo virus compared to other strains?
Why it's still unknown: Sources diverge on mortality rate - some cite 50%, others mention 60-80% without specifying if it's for Bundibugyo or Ebola in general
-
How many confirmed cases currently exist in Goma, the city controlled by M23?
Why it's still unknown: Only O Povo mentions a confirmed case in Goma, but other outlets do not confirm this information