The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a public health emergency of international concern following Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The organization reported on Sunday, 17 May, that the current situation does not yet meet the criteria for declaring a global pandemic. According to the report, as of 16 May, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Uganda, two laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death, were reported on 15 and 16 May, with no confirmed epidemiological link identified between them. The WHO said that, unlike some other Ebola strains, there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically available for the Bundibugyo virus strain. The organization stressed that international coordination and cooperation are essential to contain the outbreak, strengthen surveillance efforts, improve prevention measures, and support the implementation of control strategies. However, the WHO added that countries should not close their borders or impose restrictions on travel and trade.
