Suspected ebola cases in Democratic Republic of Congo jumped from 246 to nearly 750 in one week, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the national risk from "high" to "very high" on Thursday (22). Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed 82 laboratory cases and seven confirmed deaths, but said "the epidemic in DRC is much larger" than confirmed numbers indicate. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"But we know the epidemic in DRC is much larger. There are now almost 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths."
"So far, 82 cases have been confirmed in DRC, with seven confirmed deaths. But we know the epidemic in DRC is much larger."
"Previously, WHO assessed the risk as high at the national and regional levels and low at the global level. We are now revising our risk assessment to very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level."
The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, with cases reported in nine cities including Bunia, Mongwalu and Rwampara. The region faces intensified fighting that has displaced over 100,000 people recently, according to WHO, complicating the health response. Uganda confirmed two imported cases in Kampala — a traveler who died May 14 and a second case with no apparent epidemiological link to the first. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"By 22 May, Ituri was the most affected area in eastern DRC, with cases reported in the towns of Bambu, Bunia, Fataki, Logo, Mangala, Mongwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, and Rwampara."
"As you know, the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in which the outbreak is occurring are highly insecure, with intensified fighting in recent months, causing more than 100 000 people to be newly displaced."
"On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Health of Uganda confirmed an outbreak of BVD following the identification of an imported case from the DRC. The case is an elderly man who was admitted to a private hospital on 11 May with severe symptoms and died on 14 May. A second imported case was confirmed on 16 May in Kampala, in an individual returning from DRC with no apparent links to the first case."
This is the 17th ebola outbreak recorded in DRC since 1976, but the first caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which "there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics," unlike previous outbreaks by Zaire virus. Eastern DRC's health system is overstretched after years of conflict, with only 7-34% of health facilities having adequate infection prevention and control coverage as of May 16. ✓
Press quotes (4)
"This is the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. The previous Ebola outbreak in DRC ended in December 2025."
"As you know, unlike many previous Ebola outbreaks, which were caused by Zaire virus, this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics."
"The health system in eastern DRC is overstretched after years of conflict, displacement, and recurrent outbreaks, constraining response capacity in affected areas."
"By 16 May, only 7–34% of health facilities had proper IPC and WASH coverage in. DRC (IMC 16/05/2026)."
WHO maintains regional risk as "high" and global as "low," but warned that Ituri functions as a "commercial and migratory hub" near Uganda and South Sudan, increasing cross-border transmission risk. Uganda activated emergency measures including enhanced border surveillance and isolation of high-risk contacts. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Ituri's role as a commercial and migratory hub and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan increases the risk of regional exportation and cross-border transmission."
"Health authorities in Uganda are implementing public health measures, including but not limited to the following: - Activating national and district-level emergency measures, including enhanced surveillance, screening at borders, deployment of rapid response teams, isolation of a high-risk contact, and quarantine of all identified contacts."
Suspected cases jumped from 246 to approximately 750 in one week
The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo variant, resistant to existing vaccines
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Population started revolts in Ituri hospitals, resulting in fires and destruction of medical supplies
Conflicting versions (1)
Number of suspected deaths in previous week
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How many health professionals did WHO specifically deploy for the outbreak response?
Why it's still unknown: Metrópoles mentions '22 health professionals' sent by WHO, but this information does not appear in primary sources consulted
Did not cover: Who Director General's Opening Remarks Who Disease Outbreak News Acaps Briefing Note -
What is the current situation regarding popular protests and destruction of medical supplies mentioned in press reports?
Why it's still unknown: UOL reports popular revolts, hospital fires and destruction of medical supplies in Ituri, but WHO primary sources do not confirm these specific events
Did not cover: Who Primary Sources Acaps Briefing Note -
Has there been local transmission in Uganda beyond the two confirmed imported cases?
Why it's still unknown: WHO Disease Outbreak News from May 15 states that 'no local transmission has been identified in Uganda', but there are no updates on status after May 16