WHO Addresses Rapid Ebola Spread in Eastern Congo

On May 30, 2026, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Bunia in eastern Congo, a city heavily affected by an outbreak of a rare Ebola strain. This virus is spreading more quickly than current response efforts, despite the presence of improved health facilities and new aid supplies.

Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for support at the epicenter of the disease, visiting a treatment center, and meeting with local authorities, healthcare workers, and affected families. The latest figures from the WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, though actual numbers might be higher, as noted by CBS reports. Neighboring Uganda has also confirmed nine cases and one death.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola with no approved treatment or vaccine. Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in Congo’s ability to handle the outbreak, noting the country’s past experiences with Ebola. The WHO recently upgraded its risk assessment to “very high” at the national level as the outbreak spreads rapidly.

Recently, medical aid from the European Union and additional U.S. aid totaling more than $112 million arrived in Congo. Despite these efforts, response capabilities lag behind the speed of the outbreak, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Dr. Alan Gonzalez, MSF’s deputy director of operations, called for faster testing, increased aid worker deployment, and consistent supply access to address the outbreak’s severity.

Health workers face significant challenges, including resistance to medical protocols for handling victim’s bodies, leading to attacks against health centers. Additionally, ongoing attacks in Ituri by rebel groups and ethnic militias have further complicated response efforts.

The outbreak has expanded to Congolese provinces North Kivu and South Kivu, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group controls several vital cities. Uganda and Rwanda have closed their borders with Congo, but the WHO asserts these measures are ineffective, as cross-border transparency is vital for managing the outbreak.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Ebola patients would not be permitted entry into the U.S., and entry bans apply to non-U.S. passport holders who recently visited Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. Enhanced health screenings are being conducted at major U.S. airports including JFK and Washington-Dulles International.

A Kenyan High Court judge recently halted plans by the U.S. to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a Kenyan airbase, marking legal challenges in international response efforts.