New York, May 18, 2026 The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its highest level of alert over the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda amid growing concerns about the spread of the disease across borders.
According to the organisation, the declaration was prompted by increasing infections, international transmission risks and uncertainty surrounding the true extent of the outbreak.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus announced the decision on Sunday following reports of confirmed and suspected cases connected to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
Despite the escalating situation, the outbreak has not yet been classified as a pandemic emergency under the organisation’s International Health Regulations.
Health officials reported that by May 16, there were eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC.
Authorities also confirmed cases in Kinshasa, the country’s capital, as well as in Uganda, where two infected persons who travelled from DRC were placed in intensive care.
WHO said available data suggests the outbreak could be more widespread than current figures indicate, citing unexplained deaths, high positivity rates among tested samples and gaps in understanding how the virus is spreading.
The deaths of at least four healthcare workers have further intensified concerns about safety and infection control within medical facilities.
The agency warned that neighbouring countries remain vulnerable because of frequent cross-border movement, commercial activities and humanitarian crises in affected areas.
However, WHO stated that it was not recommending any restrictions on international travel or trade at this stage.
Instead, countries were encouraged to improve disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and public awareness campaigns while ensuring communities receive accurate information.
Authorities in both DRC and Uganda have also been advised to strengthen emergency response systems, intensify contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention measures and expand treatment facilities.
WHO emphasised the importance of involving community and religious leaders in awareness and containment efforts.
The organisation further noted that there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, highlighting the urgent need for continued research and clinical studies.
Global health agencies are now expected to intensify containment efforts as experts continue to monitor the situation and develop additional response strategies.