Unknown / Emerging Outbreaks Intelligence

Source and verification

Source Institution

WHO – World Health Organization

Official Published

May 16, 2026

Last Verified

Jun 5, 2026

Historical Snapshots

1

WHO was alerted on 5 May 2026 to a high-mortality outbreak of unknown illness in Mongbwalu Health Zone, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, including deaths among health workers. The event was later laboratory-confirmed as Bundibugyo virus disease, a species of Ebola, on 15 May 2026. As of 15 May 2026, 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths had been reported from affected health zones in the DRC, with additional unusual clusters of community deaths under investigation. Uganda also confirmed imported Bundibugyo virus disease cases linked to the event. Although the causative agent has now been identified, the outbreak remains relevant for the “Unknown / Emerging Outbreaks” category because it was initially detected as an unexplained high-fatality illness and represents an emerging cross-border public health emergency requiring enhanced surveillance, laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, safe burials, and community engagement.

Medical disclaimer

HantaWorld provides source-attributed public health intelligence for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or emergency guidance. Always follow official health authorities and licensed clinicians.