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Tuesday, 19 May 2026 Dear journalists, please see below remarks delivered by the WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dr Anne Ancia on the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Video files and transcripts of the remarks are also available using the links below. Update on the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and UgandaDr Anne Ancia, WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (briefing from Bunia, Ituri)19 May 2026 Good morning, Today I will provide an update on the Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cases also in Uganda. The government of the DRC declared an outbreak on 15 May, following confirmation of eight cases in Ituri province. I have been in Ituri since 12 May with colleagues, working closely with provincial authorities on the investigations that led to this confirmation. The situation is deeply concerning. This species of Ebola is one for which there is no licensed vaccine or treatment, though supportive care is lifesaving. It is occurring in a highly complex epidemiological, operational and humanitarian context—marked by insecurity, population displacement, and both densely populated and remote areas. There is significant uncertainty about the number of infections and how far the virus has spread. As of 19 May, more than 500 suspected cases, including 130 suspected deaths, have been reported by the Ministry of Health. So far, 30 cases have been confirmed in the DRC. The outbreak now affects ten health zones in Ituri province, and has reached North Kivu, with confirmed cases in Butembo and Goma. Uganda has confirmed two imported cases. Community engagement will be key, as it is only when the community understands the risks and can work with the response that such outbreaks are bought under control. We are working closely with the government, local leaders and other partners to listen to communities and work with them. We are working to map and address gaps: we are supporting the scale up surveillance, contact tracing, testing, clinical care, and cross-border preparedness. We have deployed experts to the field alongside national responders, and sent 12 tons of supplies, including PPE for frontline health workers, from Kinshasa and Nairobi. We are working with partners, such as ALIMA and MSF, to set up treatment centres and expand care in affected areas. We are also looking at what candidate vaccines or treatments are available and if any could they be used in this outbreak. A WHO Technical Advisory Group will meet today to provide further recommendations to WHO on which potential vaccines should be prioritized What I see here are people working together, while facing great uncertainty as to the scale and extent of this outbreak. We will continue to update you as we learn more. UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom : Ebola update - WHO UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom : UN Geneva Press Briefing - 19 May 2026 Related links
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Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Update on the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda - 19 May
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