Monday, May 18, 2026

WHO declares Ebola outbreak global health emergency

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus strain for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics, has resulted in over 300 suspected cases and at least 88 deaths, with the vast majority occurring in the DRC. The WHO noted the outbreak does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency but warned of significant risk of regional spread.