Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda Causes 139 Deaths; WHO Declares PHEIC (bmj.com)

• Nearly 600 suspected cases, 139 deaths; Bundibugyo strain.
• WHO declares PHEIC; Africa CDC declares PHECS.
• No approved vaccines or treatments; two candidates in development.
• Conflict in Ituri and four-week detection delay.
• US aid cuts impact response.

"A rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has resulted in nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths. The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026. No approved vaccines or treatments exist; two vaccine candidates are in early development. Conflict and a four-week detection delay hampered the response. US aid cuts were cited as a challenge."