The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The announcement follows reports of more than 300 suspected cases and approximately 88 deaths, prompting international attention and coordinated response efforts.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted uncertainties regarding the true number of infections and the geographic spread of the outbreak. “There are significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread associated with this event at the present time,” he said, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and cross-border coordination.
As of May 16, health authorities reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths, primarily in Ituri Province in eastern DRC. Two cases were reported in Uganda, both linked to travel from DRC, with one fatality occurring in Kampala. A laboratory-confirmed case was also identified in Kinshasa, approximately 1,000 kilometers from the outbreak’s epicenter, linked to travel from the affected area.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a rare variant with no known vaccines or proven therapies. This is the third recorded outbreak of this strain and represents its largest detection to date. Ebola spreads through bodily fluids and can cause severe and often fatal illness. C
hallenges in controlling the outbreak include ongoing conflict in the region, population movements due to mining, and cross-border travel.
WHO has advised against closing international borders and recommended a coordinated response involving contact tracing, infection prevention, and control measures. Regional authorities and international health organizations are working to enhance laboratory testing, monitor cases, and provide public guidance to mitigate the risk of wider transmission.