ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus in Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. This announcement came after authorities reported over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths related to the outbreak.
While the WHO confirmed the seriousness of the outbreak, it noted that it does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency similar to COVID-19. Consequently, the organization has advised against closing international borders. As the outbreak intensifies, a laboratory-confirmed case was reported in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, which is approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away from the epicenter located in the eastern province of Ituri. This raises concerns about the potential for wider transmission of the virus.
On Sunday, the rebel government of Goma in eastern Congo announced the detection of the first confirmed Ebola case in the city. The infected individual had traveled from Ituri province and is currently in isolation. Goma has experienced recent instability due to conflict involving various rebel groups, which has contributed to widespread displacement.
Ebola is known for being highly contagious, transmitted through bodily fluids like vomit, blood, or semen, and while the disease is rare, it often results in severe and fatal outcomes. The WHO’s emergency declaration aims to mobilize international support and resources to combat the outbreak effectively. A team of 35 experts from WHO, alongside members of the Congolese Ministry of Health, is now in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, accompanied by 7 tons of emergency medical supplies.
This outbreak, confirmed on May 5, 2026, is the third occurrence of the Bundibugyo virus, which has previously caused outbreaks in Uganda and Congo. Health authorities emphasized the severity of the outbreak, indicating that more than 20 Ebola outbreaks have been recorded in the region, with Congo being the epicenter for nearly all cases except two recorded in Uganda.
Dr. Richard Kitenge, chief of operations at the Centre des Opérations d'Urgence de Santé Publique, stated that while the risks are significant, Congo has successfully managed previous Ebola outbreaks. The ongoing conflict, coupled with the high number of cases in the community, particularly in areas like Mongwalu, complicates contact tracing and containment efforts. These challenges are exacerbated by frequent population movement linked to mining activities, both within Congo and across its borders.
The WHO has reported that initial detection of the outbreak was delayed, allowing the virus time to spread. An earlier suspected case was identified on April 24, 2026, with the individual succumbing to the disease shortly after. By the time health officials became aware of the outbreak, 50 deaths had already occurred, highlighting the urgent need for resilience and rapid response measures.
U.S. health officials have assessed the risk to Americans as low, despite not specifying any possible exposures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively supporting containment efforts, with an established team in Congo and plans to deploy additional personnel. The CDC has issued travel advisories for Americans in both Congo and Uganda, urging them to avoid contact with individuals displaying symptoms associated with Ebola.
The complexity of the situation demands thorough investigation and prompt international collaboration to mitigate the spread of the virus. As the outbreak continues to evolve, health officials remain vigilant, noting numerous uncertainties concerning the true number of infections and the geographic scope of the outbreak.
