WHO Says Ebola Risk High in Congo, Uganda but Low Globally

The World Health Organization said Wednesday that the risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is high at the national and regional levels but low at the global level. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva that 51 cases have been confirmed in Congo's Ituri and North Kivu provinces, though the true scale is believed to be much larger.

Beyond the confirmed cases, officials reported nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths. The numbers are expected to rise as authorities continue contact tracing and investigations. Uganda has reported two confirmed cases in the capital Kampala. One of those cases resulted in a death. A U.S. national working in Congo tested positive and was evacuated to Germany for treatment.

Sunday, Tedros declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO emergency committee met Tuesday and agreed the outbreak meets criteria for that designation but does not meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency. " — Lucille Blumberg, committee chair, May 20, 2026 (Cbs News) Investigators believe the virus has been circulating for several weeks or months before detection.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or treatments.

Response and Criticism U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the WHO was late in identifying the outbreak. Tedros responded that the criticism may stem from a misunderstanding of how international health regulations work. The agency is working with affected countries to implement contact tracing, isolate cases, and provide care.

Congo is expecting experimental vaccines from the United States and Britain for related Ebola strains.