WHO Declares Global Emergency Amid DRC, Uganda Ebola Outbreak

By Danial Martinus • 18 May 2026 in News

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(source: Hajarah Nalwadda / Associated Press via Al Jazeera)

The World Health Organization has declared a recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

It’s the highest alert level the WHO can announce, signalling the serious cross-border health risk this outbreak currently presents. It also requires governments across the world to take immediate precautions, considering the severity of the disease.

80 deaths so far

After having consulted the #DRC and #Uganda where the #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR.

My full… pic.twitter.com/zhYVEyxSI8

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 17, 2026

This recent outbreak is caused by the much rarer Bundibugyo virus, and doesn’t meet the criteria of a pandemic. So while you don’t have to panic, it’s best to take extra care of who you choose to surround yourself with, especially if/when it involves people who have recently travelled abroad.

But it’s worth noting the only people who face an immediate risk are those who live in countries that share a border with the DRC. Of course, people travelling to other places from there should still be careful as well.

There have already been 80 suspected deaths, along with eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases.

(source: Al-hadji Kudra Maliro / Associated Press via Al Jazeera)

It’s the 17th outbreak of Ebola so far in DRC, but the latest one is pretty serious considering the fact that there are no approved Bundibugyo-specific vaccines. All but one of the Ebola outbreaks that have happened in the country were of the Zaire strain.

Despite the severity of the situation and a WHO advisory discouraging international travel (for those who’ve come into contact with the virus) for at least 21 days, countries have been urged not to close their borders or treat the situation like a pandemic.

For now, Malaysians and anyone on this side of the world can relax. But it won’t hurt to be extra careful, especially around sick people or those who have recently travelled to and from the DRC, Uganda, and neighbouring countries.