Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda Declared International Health Emergency DATELINE: Kampala, Uganda — May 17, 2026 LEAD The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, marking the first time such a declaration has been made for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a rare strain of the virus with no approved vaccine or treatment. NUT GRAF: The declaration comes as over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths have been recorded, with the Mongbwalu and Bunia health zones in DRC, and the Rwampara Health Zone in Uganda, being the primary affected regions.
The rapid spread of the virus has prompted health officials in both countries to implement stringent measures to prevent the further transmission of the disease.
Kampala, Uganda — The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a rare strain of the Ebola virus that has no approved vaccine or treatment. This declaration, made on May 17, 2026, marks the first time such a measure has been taken for this particular strain of the virus.
The outbreak, which began in the Mongbwalu and Bunia health zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has now reached the Rwampara Health Zone in Uganda.
Over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths have been reported to date, with health officials in both countries working tirelessly to contain the spread of the virus.
In response to the crisis, health officials in Uganda have implemented a range of measures to prevent the further transmission of the virus. Visitors to hospitals, including CBCA Virunga Hospital in Goma, DRC, are now being screened for fever and other symptoms of Ebola.
The Ugandan government has also intensified surveillance at border crossings, aiming to prevent the virus from spreading to neighboring countries.
The declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO underscores the severity of the situation and the potential for the virus to spread internationally.
The organization has advised countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness measures, including the rapid detection and response to cases.
The Bundibugyo ebolavirus is a rare strain of Ebola, with the last reported outbreak occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2012.
The lack of an approved vaccine or treatment for this particular strain adds to the urgency of the situation. Researchers and health officials are working around the clock to develop a vaccine and treatment for the virus.
The outbreak has not only posed a threat to the health of individuals in the affected regions but has also had a significant impact on the economies of both the DRC and Uganda. Travel restrictions and the closure of borders have disrupted trade and affected the livelihoods of many people.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the outbreak and providing support to the affected countries.
The WHO has deployed teams to the region to assist with surveillance, infection prevention and control, and community engagement activities.
The declaration of a public health emergency of international concern is a call to action for the global community to support the efforts of the DRC and Uganda in containing the outbreak. It is a reminder of the importance of coordinated international response to health emergencies and the need for continued research and development of vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases.
KICKER: The declaration of a public health emergency of international concern for the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda underscores the severity of the situation and the potential for the virus to spread internationally.
The international community is urged to support the efforts of the affected countries in containing the outbreak and to continue research and development of vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News
