On 17 May 2026, WHO Director-General declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) — the highest alert level under International Health Regulations.
The Bundibugyo strain
This outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), one of six species in the Ebolavirus genus. It is only the third recorded outbreak of this particular strain. The first was in Uganda in 2007, the second in DRC in 2012.
Why no vaccine
The approved Ebola vaccine, Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV), only protects against the Zaire strain. There is currently no approved vaccine or therapeutic specifically for Bundibugyo virus. Experimental treatments may be deployed under emergency protocols.
The undetected spread problem
Epidemiologists believe the outbreak has been spreading undetected for weeks or months. The 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC, combined with ongoing conflict in Ituri Province, has complicated surveillance. A mobile population escaping conflict combined with limited healthcare access creates ideal conditions for hidden transmission.
Cross-border concerns
Uganda has confirmed two imported cases from DRC, both in Kampala. No local Uganda transmission has been confirmed yet, but the porous border and high migration make spread likely.
What PHEIC means
A PHEIC declaration mobilizes international resources, allows WHO to make temporary recommendations to member states, and signals that the situation requires coordinated global response. It does not automatically restrict trade or travel.
What individuals should do
Outside of DRC and Uganda, individual risk is essentially zero. Ebola does not spread casually — it requires direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. Standard travel hygiene practices remain sufficient for those visiting unaffected regions.
Follow the Ebola outbreak page for ongoing updates.