DRC Ebola Outbreak: Treatment Center Burned Amid Rising Fears

An angry crowd set fire to an Ebola treatment center in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns that the current outbreak is gathering momentum.

International Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This determination was announced on May 17, 2026.

The WHO Director-General stated that while the event meets the criteria for a PHEIC, it does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency as defined in the International Health Regulations (2005).

Outbreak Scale and Location

The outbreak is centered in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The WHO reported the following data as of May 16, 2026:

• Eight laboratory-confirmed cases
• 246 suspected cases
• 80 suspected deaths

The reported cases have appeared across at least three health zones, specifically Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.

The event is extraordinary for the following reasons: As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.

World Health Organization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory to public health practitioners, travelers, and clinicians on May 19, 2026, regarding the new outbreak.

In making the PHEIC determination, the WHO assessed the risk to human health, the possibility of international spread of the disease, and the potential for interference with international traffic. The organization noted the commitment of the leadership in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take necessary and vigorous actions to bring the event under control.