WHO Warns of Growing Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa Linked to Bundibugyo Virus
Geneva, May 28, 2026:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised global concern over a rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in Central Africa caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerging as the epicenter of the crisis.
According to WHO, the outbreak was officially declared by the DRC Ministry of Public Health on May 15, 2026, after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a rare species of Ebola for which no licensed vaccine or specific treatment currently exists. (World Health Organization)
The outbreak has primarily affected Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, particularly the health zones of Rwampara, Mongbwalu and Bunia. WHO stated that the first known suspected case involved a health worker who developed severe symptoms including fever, vomiting and hemorrhaging in late April before later dying at a medical facility in Bunia. (World Health Organization)
As the outbreak intensified, neighboring Uganda also confirmed imported cases linked to cross-border movement from the DRC. Following consultations with affected states, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC), citing the risk of further international spread. (World Health Organization)
Health officials and humanitarian agencies warn that the outbreak is particularly challenging because the Bundibugyo strain differs from the more commonly known Zaire Ebola virus and currently lacks approved vaccines and targeted therapeutics. WHO has emphasized that early supportive care, rapid diagnosis and strong community engagement remain critical to reducing fatalities. (World Health Organization)
International response efforts are being complicated by insecurity, displacement and humanitarian instability in eastern Congo. WHO and aid agencies have reported shortages of protective equipment, attacks on medical infrastructure and widespread mistrust among local communities, all of which are slowing containment operations. (AP News)
WHO is currently working with governments, Africa CDC and humanitarian organizations to strengthen:
- laboratory testing,
- surveillance systems,
- contact tracing,
- treatment preparedness,
- border monitoring,
- and public awareness campaigns.
Medical supplies and emergency aid are being transported into affected areas as health authorities attempt to prevent wider regional transmission. (Reuters)
The outbreak has also triggered heightened global health vigilance ahead of major international events, including FIFA World Cup 2026™, with the United States, Canada and Mexico recently announcing coordinated Ebola-related travel measures for travelers arriving from high-risk African regions. (Reuters)
WHO has repeatedly stressed that community cooperation, transparent communication and international solidarity will be essential to controlling the outbreak and preventing further spread across borders.
