Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · May 25
WHO Raises DRC Ebola Risk to Very High as 101 Cases Hit DRC, 5 Reach Uganda
Updated
Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · May 25
WHO Raises DRC Ebola Risk to Very High as 101 Cases Hit DRC, 5 Reach Uganda
7 articles · Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · May 25
101 confirmed Ebola cases and 10 deaths have been recorded in DRC, while Uganda has confirmed five cases and one death, prompting WHO to raise DRC's national risk level to very high.
More than 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths suggest the outbreak is far larger than confirmed counts, with WHO saying delayed detection has left responders "playing catch-up" as transmission outpaces operations.
US$3.9 million has been released from WHO's emergency fund, and the agency is setting up a continental incident management team with Africa CDC while supporting tracing, treatment centers, labs and community outreach.
100,000 people have been newly displaced by fighting in Ituri and North Kivu, where insecurity, distrust of authorities and two recent security incidents at health facilities are complicating containment.
No approved vaccines or therapeutics exist for Bundibugyo virus, so WHO is prioritizing two monoclonal antibodies and evaluating obeldesivir for high-risk contacts as it warns the outbreak will worsen before improving.
As a new Ebola outbreak outpaces responders, is the world prepared for another major health crisis?
In a region of deep distrust, how can health workers overcome local fear to stop Ebola's spread?
With no approved vaccine, can traditional containment methods work in a volatile conflict zone?
Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak 2026: Vaccine Shortages, Surveillance Failures, and the Need for Global Action
Overview
As of late May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak, this time caused by the Bundibugyo species, which was first identified in Uganda in 2007. This virus can cause severe illness and death, with past outbreaks showing a mortality rate between 25% and 50%. The World Health Organization quickly responded after becoming aware of the threat, but the outbreak’s detection was delayed, making control more difficult. The lack of approved vaccines or treatments for Bundibugyo means countries must rely on traditional public health measures to stop the spread and save lives.