WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak an International Public Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bombali virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026. This signifies a critical step in the global response to the epidemic.

The decision was made by the Director-General of the WHO based on information from the affected countries. As of May 16, 2026, Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 80 laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths. Furthermore, two laboratory-confirmed cases, one resulting in death, were identified in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting international spread.

The situation is deemed an "extraordinary event" and poses a risk to public health in other countries due to international spread. The lack of approved treatments or vaccines specifically for the Bombali virus variant adds to the complexity. Concerns are heightened by ongoing insecurity, humanitarian crises, population movement, and reports of healthcare worker infections, suggesting gaps in infection prevention and control.

The WHO emphasized the need for international coordination to understand the outbreak's scope and enhance surveillance, prevention, and response efforts. While categorized as a PHEIC, it does not meet the criteria for a pandemic under the International Health Regulations. The organization acknowledged the efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in managing the situation and assessing risks.