Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda declared a global emergency
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has grown into one of the largest on record, with health authorities reporting more than 300 deaths and warning of a difficult response in conflict-affected regions.
The two countries declared outbreaks in mid-May 2026 after laboratory tests confirmed infection by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola, in northeastern DRC and in Uganda's capital, Kampala. Within days, the World Health Organization designated the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
As of late June, the DRC health ministry had reported more than 1,150 confirmed cases and over 300 related deaths, with additional cases in Uganda. Officials say the outbreak is now among the largest ever recorded, having spread from its origin in Ituri Province to the North Kivu and South Kivu regions.
The response has been complicated by an ongoing humanitarian crisis, insecurity in the east of the country, and dense populations with high levels of trade and movement across borders. Health workers have been among the dead, underscoring the strain on local medical services.
Unlike the more common species of Ebola, there is no licensed vaccine or approved specific treatment for the Bundibugyo virus, though doctors stress that early supportive care can save lives. International partners have begun deploying medical teams to support containment efforts in the affected zones.
