WHO issues key advice as Ebola death toll nears triple figures

WorldHealth & Fitness
17 May 2026 • 11:45 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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WHO issues key advice as Ebola death toll nears triple figures

  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has declared the Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
  • This declaration follows more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths reported across the two African nations.
  • The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency like Covid-19, according to the WHO.
  • The health body has advised against the closure of international borders in response to the outbreak.
  • While most cases are in Congo, two cases have been confirmed in Uganda's capital, Kampala, both linked to travel from Congo.

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