Ebola outbreak expands in DRC and Uganda as WHO declares PHEIC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is confronting its 17th Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain. The virus has spread to five provinces, reaching more than 2,400 confirmed cases and over 930 deaths since the outbreak was declared in May, making it the third‑largest Ebola episode on record. Uganda has reported 20 cases and two deaths, most linked to travel from the DRC. The World Health Organization has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deployed over 120 staff, imposed travel restrictions on travelers from the affected areas, and instituted airport screening. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists; researchers are testing an experimental oral antiviral, NV‑387. The response is hampered by ongoing conflict, attacks on health workers, weakened health infrastructure, and funding shortfalls that limit contact‑tracing and supply chains. The outbreak highlights broader social and institutional challenges in managing emerging infectious diseases.