WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda global public health emergency

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WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda global public health emergency

2026-05-17 10:56 Last Updated At：05-18 14:40

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."

The WHO said in a statement that the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency, as defined under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

The statement said that the director-general of the WHO, under the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR), will be convening an emergency committee as soon as possible to advice on the proposed temporary recommendation for state parties to response to the event.

As of Saturday, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths had been reported in DR Congo's Ituri Province, across at least three health zones, according to the statement.

The Bundibugyo virus could cause Ebola hemorrhagic fever, primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions of infected individuals or animals. Clinical symptoms include fever, bleeding and multi-organ damage. The disease has a fatality rate as high as 50 to 90 percent.

Israel says destroyed Hezbollah tunnel network in S. Lebanon

Israel's military said on Thursday it had destroyed more than 2 km of underground Hezbollah infrastructure at the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, after taking control of the area above and below ground.

The military said the network contained a command complex, weapons stores and living quarters, as well as dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles and drones, anti-tank missiles, mines and explosives.

It said the tunnels had been built over two decades with Iranian funding and included a command center belonging to Hezbollah's Badr unit, a major regional military division responsible for southern Lebanon's territory north of the Litani River up to the Sidon area.

Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the Israeli announcement.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported Thursday that the Israeli army carried out a powerful explosion at Ali al-Taher Hill on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, causing tremors and a loud blast that was strongly heard across Nabatieh and surrounding areas.

The Ali al-Taher Ridge, about 15 km from the Israeli border, has become a key battleground in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Israeli forces remain deployed in territory in southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and repeated Lebanese demands for their withdrawal.