The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is widening at a rapid pace, with increasing infections, rising fatalities and confirmed cross-border transmission into Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
The global health body said the outbreak has moved beyond affected areas in the DRC, creating growing concerns over regional spread as neighbouring countries strengthen surveillance and emergency response measures.
In its latest update, WHO currently assesses the risk as very high for DRC, high for Uganda and neighbouring countries sharing land borders with affected areas, and low for the rest of the African region and globally.
As of Sunday, the DRC has reported 515 confirmed cases of Ebola, including 91 deaths. Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases, with two deaths and one probable fatal case.
WHO said all reported cases in Uganda remain linked to the outbreak in the DRC, with transmission patterns indicating both infections imported from the neighbouring country and further spread among close contacts and healthcare workers.
As Uganda continues to respond to the Ebola outbreak, @DrTedros, Director-General of @WHO, engaged with the UN Country Team in Uganda to strengthen coordination and reinforce collective preparedness and response efforts. #EbolaResponse @MinofHealthUG pic.twitter.com/mPoXBgpiFo
— UN in Uganda (@UNinUganda) June 8, 2026
Cross-border response underway
Health authorities in both countries are working with WHO and international partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
On June 5, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO launched a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan. The initiative aims to support African nations in improving detection, preparedness and emergency response capabilities, with funding requirements estimated at USD 518 million.
The current outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe form of Ebola disease that can lead to serious illness and death.
Virus spreads through close contact
According to health experts, the Bundibugyo virus is believed to originate in fruit bats and can spread through contact with infected animals or bodily fluids from infected people.
The incubation period ranges between two and 21 days, and infected individuals generally do not transmit the virus before symptoms begin.
Ebola disease is caused by orthoebolaviruses from the filoviridae family and affects humans as well as other primates. The disease was first identified in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in Zaire, now known as the DRC, and Sudan, now South Sudan.
Current outbreak declared in May
The ongoing outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, was officially declared on May 15.
WHO noted that while the Bundibugyo variant is less frequently reported than the Zaire strain, which has been linked to several major Ebola outbreaks in the past, it can still cause severe disease and fatalities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as health teams work to trace contacts, strengthen infection control measures and limit further spread across borders.
What is #Bundibugyo virus disease?
Here’s what you need to know ⬇️#ViralFacts@viralfacts pic.twitter.com/ZnbYgENTBX
— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) June 6, 2026