By World Health Organization (WHO)
GENEVA: The World Health Organization has officially declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the rapidly evolving situation carries a significant risk of regional spread and requires urgent international coordination.
The declaration, announced by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus under the International Health Regulations (2005), follows a sharp rise in confirmed and suspected Ebola cases in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), alongside cross-border transmission into Uganda.
As of May 16, health authorities had reported eight laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in the DRC’s Ituri Province, where multiple health zones including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu are under active surveillance.
Uganda has also confirmed two Ebola infections in Kampala involving travelers arriving from the DRC, including one death, raising concerns among global health experts about the possibility of wider regional transmission through cross-border movement and densely populated urban settings.
Related story: Ebola outbreak in DRC: Lockdowns, rising death toll, and CDC travel alert
WHO warns outbreak may be larger than currently detected
The World Health Organization cautioned that the true scale of the outbreak may be significantly larger than official figures currently indicate.
According to WHO, unusually high positivity rates among initial laboratory samples, increasing reports of unexplained community deaths, and the emergence of cases in both Kampala and Kinshasa point toward broader undetected transmission chains.
Health authorities also reported suspected Ebola-related deaths among healthcare workers in affected areas, intensifying concerns about infection prevention failures inside medical facilities and the potential amplification of the outbreak within hospitals and clinics.
Public health analysts say the situation is particularly concerning because the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently has no approved vaccine or virus-specific treatment, unlike the Ebola Zaire strain used in previous outbreaks.
Why the WHO emergency declaration matters
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern is WHO’s highest formal alert level under international health regulations and is reserved for extraordinary health events that pose risks to multiple countries through international spread.
WHO clarified that while the outbreak qualifies as a global health emergency, it does not currently meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.
The organization emphasized that the declaration is intended to strengthen international preparedness, accelerate surveillance efforts, improve outbreak coordination and mobilize technical and logistical support for affected countries.
Global health experts say the declaration could help fast-track international funding, emergency medical support, laboratory expansion, border preparedness and clinical response operations.
How Ebola spreads and symptoms people should know
Ebola is a severe viral hemorrhagic disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and materials.
According to WHO guidance, common symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Severe weakness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Bleeding in severe cases
Healthcare professionals warn that early diagnosis and isolation remain critical because Ebola can rapidly progress into life-threatening illness involving organ failure, shock and internal bleeding.
WHO noted that ongoing insecurity, humanitarian challenges, population displacement and informal healthcare systems in eastern Congo are further complicating outbreak control efforts.
Health workers among infected raises alarm
One of the most concerning developments identified by WHO is the reported infection and deaths among healthcare workers.
The organization warned that gaps in infection prevention and control measures inside healthcare facilities could accelerate disease transmission if urgent protective measures are not strengthened.
WHO has advised affected countries to urgently improve:
• Hospital infection prevention protocols
• Protective equipment supplies
• Laboratory testing capacity
• Contact tracing systems
• Isolation and intensive care facilities
• Healthcare worker training
Related story: Sierra Leone launches first Ebola vaccine rollout in West Africa
The agency also called for stronger community engagement efforts involving religious leaders, local leaders and traditional healers to improve public trust and encourage early reporting of symptoms.
WHO urges against travel bans and misinformation
Despite the emergency declaration, WHO strongly advised countries not to close borders or impose blanket travel and trade restrictions, stating that such measures are not scientifically justified and may worsen outbreak management by pushing movement into unmonitored routes.
Instead, WHO recommended targeted health screening at airports, land crossings and border points, particularly for unexplained fever and symptoms consistent with Ebola infection.
The organization also urged the public to avoid misinformation and panic-driven narratives surrounding the outbreak.
Public health experts say misinformation during infectious disease emergencies can undermine response efforts, increase stigma and discourage affected individuals from seeking timely medical care.
Global response intensifies as outbreak monitoring expands
WHO said it is working closely with the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, alongside international partners, to strengthen surveillance systems, diagnostic testing, treatment capacity, emergency operations and outbreak containment measures.
Neighboring countries sharing borders with the DRC have also been advised to immediately increase preparedness measures, including active surveillance for unexplained deaths, rapid response teams and laboratory readiness.
Health experts warn that while Ebola outbreaks remain relatively uncommon globally, rapid containment efforts during the early stages are critical to preventing wider international spread.
WHO stated that continued international cooperation, transparent reporting and strong public health interventions will remain essential in controlling the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak and protecting vulnerable communities across the region.
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