Photo: Shutterstock The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over a rapidly evolving outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, warning that the situation poses a serious risk of further spread and deaths.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the decision was made under Article 12 of the International Health Regulations following consultations with health ministers in both countries. He noted this is the first time a PHEIC has been declared before convening an Emergency Committee.
“This is the first time a Director-General has declared a PHEIC before convening an Emergency Committee. I did not do this lightly."
According to WHO, 30 confirmed cases have been reported in the DRC, primarily in the northeastern province of Ituri. In neighboring Uganda, health authorities have confirmed two cases in Kampala, including one death. Both cases involved individuals who had recently traveled from the DRC.
In addition to confirmed infections, more than 500 suspected cases and around 130 suspected deaths are under investigation as surveillance and testing efforts expand.
The outbreak has now reached urban centers, including Kampala and Goma, raising concerns about accelerated transmission in densely populated areas.
Health officials have also reported infections among healthcare workers, suggesting ongoing transmission within medical settings.
The affected region in eastern DRC is facing heightened instability, with conflict in Ituri province intensifying since late 2025. The violence has displaced more than 100,000 people, complicating containment efforts.
The area is also a major mining hub, where frequent population movement increases the risk of wider spread.
The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola disease for which no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment currently exists.
WHO stressed that, despite the absence of medical countermeasures, transmission can still be slowed through traditional public health measures such as contact tracing, infection control, risk communication, and community engagement.
Tedros also thanked Uganda for postponing large-scale Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which could have drawn up to two million people, citing the significant public health risk.
The WHO has deployed personnel, medical supplies, and funding to support national response efforts and says it will continue updating member states as the situation develops.
The organization has also convened an Emergency Committee to issue temporary recommendations aimed at containing the outbreak.
As a reminder, the US has launched a major response to the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, including travel bans for foreign nationals who have traveled there within the last 21 days as well as emergency funding.