GENEVA — The World Health Organization on May 17 declared a new Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a public health emergency of international concern, prompting health alerts in multiple countries as cases continue to rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was first confirmed in Ituri Province in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15. As of June 4, DRC authorities reported 452 confirmed cases and 82 confirmed deaths, while Uganda reported 19 confirmed cases and two confirmed deaths as of June 5, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The declaration followed confirmation of laboratory cases and clusters of severe illness in remote areas affected by insecurity and population movement. The virus has spread to several health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in DRC, with linked cases reported in Uganda, including in the capital Kampala.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as requiring coordinated international action. “This outbreak demands a robust, collective response to protect lives and prevent further spread,” Tedros said in a statement.
Health officials have activated surveillance, contact tracing, isolation measures and community engagement efforts. Response teams from WHO, CDC, Doctors Without Borders and national authorities are working in the affected regions. Challenges include limited healthcare infrastructure, cross-border travel, mining-related population movements and community concerns that have at times hindered response activities.
The Bundibugyo strain has no approved specific vaccine or treatment yet, though experts are evaluating candidates, according to WHO. This marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Previous outbreaks in the country have been contained through established protocols, but this one has grown amid complex local conditions.
The CDC issued travel health notices for the affected areas and is supporting regional efforts. No cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in the United States. International partners have pledged funding, with the U.S. announcing additional support as part of broader assistance.
As of Friday, response operations continue with emphasis on safe burials, infection prevention and risk communication. The full scope of the outbreak remains under assessment as testing and reporting efforts expand in hard-to-reach areas. Officials have urged vigilance and adherence to public health guidance to limit transmission.
