According to Article 12 of the International Health Regulations (2005), the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). However, it doesn’t qualify as a pandemic emergency. This conclusion comes after consultations with relevant state parties and a thorough assessment of the current situation.
The Director-General acknowledged the efforts by the governments of both countries to manage the outbreak effectively. Their transparency in evaluating the risks has enabled the global community to prepare adequately.
In making this determination, the Director-General reviewed information from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, alongside scientific principles and evidence regarding human health risks, international disease transmission, and the potential for disruptions to international travel.
The Director-General noted the event meets the criteria for PHEIC for several reasons:
- As of May 16, 2026, there have been eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected fatalities reported in Ituri Province, across multiple health zones. Notably, two confirmed cases emerged in Kampala, Uganda, within a short span of time, both linked to travels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- There have been unusual clusters of community deaths with symptoms matching Bundibugyo virus disease across health zones in Ituri, raising concerns about the virus spreading in healthcare settings and inadequate infection control measures.
- The actual number of infected individuals and the geographical spread associated with this event is currently unclear. The high positivity rate in initial samples suggests a potentially larger outbreak than what is being reported.
- Additionally, the context of ongoing insecurity, a humanitarian crisis, significant population movement, and a network of informal healthcare services increases the risk of spread further, similar to past Ebola outbreaks in the region.
Furthermore, the outbreak poses a public health risk to other countries. Documented international transmission has already occurred, evidenced by the confirmed cases in Kampala, indicating that neighboring countries are at high risk due to population movement and trade.
International coordination is crucial to understand the extent of the outbreak and to enhance surveillance, prevention, and response efforts. The Director-General plans to convene an Emergency Committee to provide recommendations on tackling this event.
WHO advises the following actions for the affected countries:
WHO Recommendations
For Affected States (Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda)
Coordination and Engagement
- Activate national emergency frameworks and set up operation centers dedicated to coordinating response measures among different sectors. This should include enhanced surveillance, infection control, and community engagement.
- Collaboration with partners should be strengthened to ensure effective response, especially if national resources are stretched.
Community Engagement
- Efforts must be made to engage communities fully through local leaders to enhance case identification and education on risks associated with the virus.
Surveillance and Laboratory Capacity
- Enhance surveillance and laboratory capabilities in affected provinces, improving the response to community deaths and setting up dedicated surveillance cells.
Infection Control in Healthcare
- Implement robust infection prevention measures within healthcare facilities, ensuring healthcare personnel are trained and equipped properly.
Patient Care Management
- Ensure safe transfers of suspected cases to specialized treatment facilities for better management.
Research and Development
- Encourage clinical trials for therapeutic and vaccine development to manage the outbreak.
Border Health Measures
- Implement thorough screening at borders to catch any suspected cases and prevent their spread.
Funeral and Burial Practices
- Ensure burials are conducted safely, following health protocols to minimize infection risk.
Operational Logistics
- Establish a strong supply chain for medical supplies, especially personal protective equipment (PPE).
For Neighboring States
- States bordering affected countries should bolster their readiness, including community surveillance and training healthcare workers in infection control.
For All Other States
- Countries should avoid closing borders or placing travel restrictions, as these measures can exacerbate the situation and harm local economies.
- Provide travelers to affected areas with relevant information and guidelines for managing potential exposure.
- Ensure evacuation procedures are in place for citizens exposed to the virus.
This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with the Bundibugyo virus outbreak and protect public health.
