The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency following a growing outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

According to WHO, as of May 16, 2026, authorities had identified eight laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected infections, and nearly 80 suspected deaths in affected regions.

Cases have also reportedly emerged in Kampala and Kinshasa, increasing fears that the virus may have spread beyond remote areas before containment measures began.

Rare Bundibugyo strain worries experts

Medical experts say the outbreak is particularly concerning because it involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine currently exists.

Dr Diksha Goyal of Marengo Asia Hospitals said standard field tests may sometimes miss this strain, complicating detection and response efforts.

Health officials are also worried because several infections reportedly occurred inside healthcare settings, including among nurses, indicating possible gaps in infection control.

Ebola spreads through direct contact

Experts stressed that Ebola is not an airborne disease like COVID-19. According to Dr Namita Jaggi of Artemis Hospitals, the virus spreads mainly through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals.

Symptoms usually include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and body pain before severe complications develop in some patients.

WHO and global health agencies have intensified testing, isolation, contact tracing, and traveller screening efforts to contain the outbreak.

Risk to India currently low

Health experts said the immediate risk to India remains low unless infected travellers enter the country undetected or infection control systems fail.

India already has surveillance systems at airports and hospitals to monitor international infectious disease threats.

WHO has advised countries not to impose unnecessary border closures or trade restrictions, emphasising preparedness and rapid response instead.

The outbreak has once again highlighted how quickly infectious diseases can become global concerns in an interconnected world.