WHO declares emergency as Ebola strain with no vaccine spreads

The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, 2026, following an outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The outbreak has infected 336 people and caused at least 88 deaths, with the virus first detected in the DRC on May 5 before being confirmed as the Bundibugyo strain on May 15. The WHO stated the outbreak did not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency, though it comes as the organization convenes its 79th General Assembly from May 18-23, 2026. The Bundibugyo strain, discovered in 2007, is considered particularly dangerous because there is currently no approved vaccine to protect against it. The outbreak's epicenter is in Ituri province, a conflict-affected mining region where workers regularly cross health zones and borders, increasing the risk of spread. Cases have been confirmed in Uganda's capital, Kampala, and health authorities warn the true scale of the outbreak is likely larger than current figures suggest. At least four healthcare workers have died, indicating gaps in infection prevention at medical facilities. While two approved Ebola vaccines exist, Ervebo and Zabdeno, neither protects specifically against the Bundibugyo strain. Ervebo is approved for use against the Zaire strain in the United States and European Union. Vaccines for Bundibugyo are still in the research stage, having only undergone pre-clinical trials in animal models. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms such as maintaining blood pressure, hydration, and addressing fever and pain, as there are no specific treatments for this strain. The WHO has advised against travel restrictions but recommended the DRC and Uganda enhance contact tracing and scale up laboratory testing.