On May 18, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Ebola outbreak in Congoβs Ituri province and neighboring Uganda has reached the level of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
- Cases & Deaths:
- Over 300 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported.
- At least 8 laboratory-confirmed cases in Congo, with 2 confirmed cases in Kampala, Uganda.
- Virus Strain:
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific therapeutics.
- International Impact:
- Several American citizens were exposed, with one confirmed positive.
- The U.S. CDC is coordinating evacuations and deploying experts to Africa.
- WHO has warned of a high risk of cross-border spread, but advised against closing international borders.
- Local Response:
- Health workers are racing to set up treatment centers in Bunia, Congo, and Goma.
- WHO has already depleted protective equipment stocks in Kinshasa and is airlifting supplies from Kenya.
This marks Congoβs 17th Ebola outbreak since 1976, but experts warn that the Bundibugyo strain poses unique challenges due to the lack of vaccines and rapid spread.
