World Health Organization (WHO) declares Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Exam-focused facts from the 18 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatments currently exist.
As of 16 May, Ituri Province in eastern DRC recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths.
Confirmed cases have been reported in the DRC capital, Kinshasa, and in Uganda, where two infected individuals were admitted to intensive care.
At least four deaths among healthcare workers have been recorded, raising concerns regarding infection prevention measures in health facilities.