The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a public health emergency of international concern, warning that it may be far larger than currently detected and carries significant local and regional risks of spread. The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a species of Ebola for which no vaccine or treatment exists, and which has a case fatality rate of 30–50%. By mid‑May, 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths had been reported, with 13 confirmed as BVD.
Africa CDC has assessed the risk of spread within the DRC as “very high,” citing a four‑week detection delay that allowed uncontrolled community transmission. The outbreak is believed to have originated in the Mongbwalu health zone of Ituri province, a busy mining area near the borders of South Sudan and Uganda, raising concerns about cross‑border transmission. Two laboratory‑confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala, Uganda, with no apparent link between them. Insecurity and conflict in the DRC are further restricting surveillance and rapid response operations.
Although no approved vaccines or therapeutics exist for BVD, Africa CDC is studying candidate options such as Ervebo, Remdesivir, Opaldesivir, and monoclonal antibodies. It also warned that while current stocks of personal protective equipment are sufficient, increased transmission could strain supplies, with new imports requiring six to eight weeks lead time.
WHO outlined response measures including rapid response team deployment, delivery of medical supplies, strengthened surveillance, laboratory confirmation, infection prevention and control assessments, establishment of safe treatment centres, and community engagement. Director‑General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the outbreak meets the criteria for a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations, as it is extraordinary, poses risks beyond national borders, and requires international coordination.
The declaration reflects unusual clusters of community deaths with symptoms consistent with BVD and a high positivity rate among initial samples. WHO is convening an emergency committee to advise affected countries on surveillance, prevention, and response, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated global action to contain the outbreak.
