WHO Declares Public Health Emergency as Bundibugyo Ebola Reaches Kampala

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency due to an Ebola outbreak that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has since spread to Uganda. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention first announced the outbreak on May 15, 2026. This particular outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no approved vaccine is currently available.

Current Case Numbers and Geographic Spread

As of June 2, 2026, the WHO confirmed 321 cases and 48 deaths in the DRC, with an additional 116 suspected cases under investigation. In neighboring Uganda, the WHO reported nine confirmed cases and one death. The Ugandan government has since indicated six new cases, bringing its total to 15. Notably, cases have been identified in Uganda's capital city, Kampala, which is located hundreds of kilometers from the DRC border. Containment efforts are being hindered by ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC's Ituri province.

Challenges in Vaccine Development

While two vaccines exist for the more common Zaire Ebola virus (Ervebo by Merck and Zabdeno/Mvabea by Johnson and Johnson), the Bundibugyo strain has not historically garnered significant pharmaceutical research attention due to its infrequent outbreaks. Currently, three experimental vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain are undergoing evaluation for potential emergency trials. These development efforts are being supported by funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). However, the timeline for these trials and subsequent production remains uncertain, with initial research and testing phases potentially extending over several years.