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WHO Updates Rapid Risk Assessment for Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak in DRC and Uganda

Date and version of assessment: May 22, 2026

Public health authorities have updated the World Health Organization (WHO) rapid risk assessment for the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak, raising the national risk level for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to very high. The regional risk for neighboring countries remains high, while the global risk is considered low. This marks the 17th Ebola disease outbreak reported in the DRC since 1976, and only the second caused by the Bundibugyo species in the country.

As of May 21, 2026, the outbreak has spread rapidly from its initial cluster to 16 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Total figures have reached 661 suspected cases and 160 suspected deaths. Clinical presentation among suspected cases has included fever, headache, vomiting, profound weakness, and hemorrhagic manifestations, which initially raised concerns for a viral hemorrhagic fever. Uganda has also confirmed two imported cases in Kampala involving individuals who traveled from the DRC to seek medical care, one of whom has died.

Controlling this outbreak presents severe clinical and logistical challenges. Unlike the more common Zaire ebolavirus strain, there are currently no licensed vaccines or targeted treatments available for the Bundibugyo species, meaning management relies entirely on supportive hospital care. Additionally, active conflict and the displacement of more than 100,000 people in Ituri Province are heavily restricting the movement of response teams, hampering contact tracing, and complicating safe burial practices in the community.

The World Health Organization has officially designated the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern to help accelerate international funding and coordinate cross-border containment efforts.

The complete data, exposure timelines, and response plans are detailed in the full WHO Rapid Risk Assessment Report.