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, 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.