WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo global health emergency as death toll climbs past 88

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The declaration came after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported, with DR Congo accounting for all but two of those cases.

As of May 16, 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths had been reported in Ituri Province across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.

The WHO and Uganda are both included in the emergency designation, as the outbreak has crossed borders into neighbouring Uganda.

Uganda confirmed cases imported from the DRC, including a patient who died at a hospital in its capital, Kampala, and a second unrelated case also linked to travel from the DRC.

Additionally, a laboratory-confirmed case was reported in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, roughly 1,000 kilometres from the outbreak’s epicentre in eastern Ituri Province, suggesting possible wider spread.

The rebel-controlled city of Goma also confirmed its first case, involving a person who had travelled from Ituri.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the outbreak “does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency” and advised countries against closing their borders.

A major concern is that the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are currently no approved therapeutics or vaccines.

The ongoing insecurity, humanitarian crisis, high population mobility, and urban nature of the current hotspot all compound the risk of further spread.

The CDC confirmed it had over 30 staff deployed in the DRC, with more to follow in the coming days.