WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), reflecting the need for enhanced international coordination and support for the response.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has affected multiple health zones in Ituri Province. Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of the virus in a majority of samples collected in the Rwampara health zone.
Two confirmed cases have also been detected in Uganda, both linked to recent travel from the DRC, indicating cross-border transmission.
Neighbouring countries are considered to be at high risk of further spread, due to frequent population movement, trade, and travel links with the DRC.
The previous international experience of Ebola Zaire outbreaks has informed established preparedness and response frameworks in Ireland. However, this outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, for which no licensed vaccines or specific treatments currently exist presenting additional challenges for response efforts.
Ireland continues to engage with the WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to inform ongoing risk assessments. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk to Europe as very low. The likelihood of infection remains very low for people living in the EU/EEA, and low even for those travelling to the affected regions, due in part to the limited probability of importation and onward transmission. The risk to Ireland is low.
Preparedness and Response Capacity
Ireland has prior experience managing Ebola-related preparedness as part of international public health collaboration. There are established High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCIDs) clinical pathways, including isolation, infection prevention and control (IPC) and transfer protocols remain in place and are under continuous review.
Preparedness for HCIDs has been further strengthened in recent months, including enhanced operational readiness following recent public health events i.e. Hantavirus.
The National Virus Reference Laboratory has capacity for testing and established arrangements with EU reference laboratories and counterparts in the UK to ensure enhanced testing capacity, as required.
Ireland is well prepared to manage an imported case of Ebola, should this occur. However, the current risk level remains low and there are robust surveillance systems, international coordination, and HCID preparedness measures in place to ensure an effective response if needed.
Previous Updates
18 May 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), reflecting the need for enhanced international coordination and support for the response.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has affected multiple health zones in Ituri Province, with 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths reported as of 16 May 2026. Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of the virus in a majority of samples collected in the Rwampara health zone.
Two confirmed cases have also been detected in Uganda, both linked to recent travel from the DRC, indicating cross-border transmission.
Neighbouring countries are considered to be at high risk of further spread, due to frequent population movement, trade, and travel links with the DRC.
Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks often caused by the Zaire strain, this outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, for which no licensed vaccines or specific treatments currently exist presenting additional challenges for response efforts.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk to Europe as very low. The likelihood of infection remains very low for people living in the EU/EEA, and low even for those travelling to the affected regions, due in part to the limited probability of importation and onward transmission.
The HSE is monitoring the situation closely through epidemic intelligence.