The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning of a significant risk of wider regional spread.
In an official statement issued under the International Health Regulations (2005), WHO said the outbreak meets the criteria for an international public health emergency, though it does not currently qualify as a pandemic emergency.
According to WHO data released on May 16, authorities have recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo, with cases reported across the Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu health zones.
The organization also confirmed two Ebola cases in Kampala within a 24-hour period involving travelers arriving from the DR Congo, including one fatality.
Another confirmed case was identified in Kinshasa involving a traveler returning from Ituri.
WHO warned that the real scale of the outbreak may be far larger than currently documented due to limited epidemiological data, rising numbers of suspected infections, and clusters of unexplained deaths across affected areas.
Health officials also raised concerns over transmission within healthcare facilities after at least four healthcare workers died with symptoms consistent with viral hemorrhagic fever.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments.
The strain has only been seen in two previous outbreaks, in Uganda in 2007 and in eastern Congo in 2012.
WHO said factors including armed conflict, humanitarian instability, population movement, and the presence of informal healthcare networks are increasing the risk of rapid local and regional spread.
The organization called for urgent international coordination to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection control, and patient care efforts in affected and neighboring countries.
WHO also urged governments not to close borders or impose travel and trade restrictions, arguing such measures are not scientifically justified and could undermine outbreak response efforts by forcing movement through uncontrolled border crossings.
Instead, the agency recommended enhanced screening at airports, ports, and major land crossings while stressing the importance of community engagement, safe burials, and rapid emergency response measures to contain the virus.
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