Ebola Outbreak Declared in DRC and Uganda, WHO Issues Global Alert

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda declared outbreaks of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus on 15 May 2026. As of 21 May 2026, DRC reported 83 confirmed cases and nine deaths among confirmed cases, along with 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths among suspected cases.

Uganda reported two confirmed imported cases and one death. One confirmed case involves an American national who worked as a surgeon in DRC and is now receiving care in Germany.

Transmission in DRC is concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The most affected health zones are Mongbwalu, Rwampara and Bunia, accounting for 96 percent of suspected cases and 79 percent of confirmed cases. Four health worker deaths have been reported.

Uganda has identified no local transmission. Both confirmed cases in Kampala were imported from DRC. One hundred twenty-seven contacts linked to the imported cases are under follow-up.

National authorities in both countries, working with WHO and partners, have activated incident management systems and deployed rapid response teams. Measures include strengthened surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention training for more than 150 health workers, and establishment of isolation facilities.

Over 17 tons of emergency supplies, including personal protective equipment and laboratory consumables, have been shipped to DRC. Uganda has activated emergency operations centers in multiple regions and deployed its national emergency medical team.

“On 16 May 2026, the WHO Director-General... In DRC, only 21 percent of listed contacts have been followed up as of 21 May. Cross-border movement and porous borders increase the risk of further spread. No approved vaccines or specific treatments exist for Bundibugyo virus disease. Past outbreaks of the same strain recorded case fatality rates between 30 and 50 percent.”