GENEVA - 17 May. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

„The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), in consultation with States Parties hereby determines that the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) but does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency,“ WHO said in a statement.

According to the organisation, „there are currently considerable uncertainties about the actual number of people infected and the geographical spread associated with this event“. „As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo,“ the WHO specified. „In addition, two laboratory-confirmed cases (including one death) with no apparent correlation were reported in Uganda on 15 and 16 May, in two persons travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.“

TASS/gnews.cz