The World Health Organization Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has convened an Emergency Committee today at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, following a declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
As of today, there are 30 confirmed cases and more than 500 suspected cases, including 130 suspected deaths. Two imported cases have been confirmed in Uganda, and an American national has tested positive and been transferred to Germany. The outbreak was declared by the DRC government on May 15th after eight cases were confirmed in Ituri province.
Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative in the DRC, noted the situation is deeply concerning because no licensed vaccine or treatment exists for this strain of Ebola. She emphasized the complex context marked by insecurity, population displacement, and uncertainty about the true number of infections.
WHO has deployed experts and sent 12 tonnes of supplies including PPE. The Red Cross Society of the DRC is leading the response alongside international partners.
Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted several factors driving concern: the large number of suspected cases expected to rise, urban infections in Kampala and Goma with population movement due to conflict, healthcare worker deaths indicating transmission within health facilities, and the lack of vaccines or therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus. International experts note that vaccines from previous strains are ineffective, and only two potential treatments are under investigation.
The Emergency Committee will advise on temporary recommendations to WHO and member states.