Overview
- The WHO elevated the outbreak to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after cases and suspected deaths surged and transmission outpaced containment efforts, a step the agency took on May 17 according to multiple reports.
- More than 1,000 suspected infections have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo with over 120 confirmed cases and dozens of confirmed deaths, while neighbouring Uganda has registered confirmed spillover infections.
- The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus for which no licensed vaccines or strain-specific treatments exist, so responders rely on testing, isolation, supportive care and experimental options.
- Ongoing armed clashes, attacks on health facilities and mass displacement in eastern DRC are blocking contact tracing and care delivery, and the WHO director-general has urged a ceasefire to restore humanitarian access.
- International responses vary sharply: several countries have imposed entry bans, mandatory quarantines or enhanced airport screening, and Africa CDC says promised funding has fallen sharply, reducing resources for the response.