WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency over a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda. The outbreak, centered around mining towns in Ituri province amid active conflict zones, has caused at least 87 confirmed deaths and 336 suspected cases with no strain-specific vaccine currently available.
Date: May 17, 2026
Location: Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict: M23 Rebellion
Category: humanitarian
Severity: CRITICAL
Casualties reported: 87
Source: WHO / Xinhua / The Hindu