WHO declares international health emergency over Ebola outbreak

Sunday 17 May 2026 - 11:45

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international public health emergency in response to a worsening Ebola outbreak affecting Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda.

The announcement represents the second-highest level of alert issued by the WHO and reflects growing concern over the spread of the virus, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach regions.

According to health officials, the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant for which no widely available vaccine exists. The virus has been detected in confirmed laboratory cases, with additional suspected infections and deaths reported in several regions.

Health authorities warn that the outbreak is concentrated in areas with limited access to medical infrastructure, making testing and containment efforts more difficult. As a result, many reported figures are based on suspected rather than confirmed cases.

The WHO emphasized that while the situation is serious and requires coordinated international response, it does not currently meet the criteria for a global pandemic emergency. The agency continues to work with African health institutions to strengthen surveillance, treatment, and containment measures.

Ebola remains one of the most severe viral diseases in Africa, with past outbreaks causing thousands of deaths. Despite advances in vaccines and treatments, certain strains of the virus continue to pose a significant public health threat.