As countries across the WHO South-East Asia Region step up vigilance following the declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), accurate, science-based information and trusted public health guidance remain critical for communities.
On 17 May 2026, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a ‘public health emergency of international concern.’
What is Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD)?
Bundibugyo virus is one of the three viruses that cause Ebola disease. The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) can cause severe illness and may be fatal without early supportive care. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for this strain of Ebola.
The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual or a person who has died of the disease; and objects and surfaces contaminated with their body fluids such as blood, feces, vomit etc.
The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. People do not transmit the disease before symptoms appear. An individual with Ebola can transmit the virus as long as the virus remains present in their blood.
Know the symptoms
Symptoms of BVD can appear suddenly and may include:
- Fever
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
In severe cases, bleeding may occur. Additional symptoms can include abdominal pain, rash, and impaired kidney or liver function.
Early supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, improves survival.
Seeking medical care early can save lives.
Advice for travelers
Check official travel advisories and local public health guidance, stay informed. If traveling to the affected and at-risk areas, take measures to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Avoid contact with sick individuals.
- Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Avoid contact with the bodies of people who have died from Ebola disease and refrain from participating in unsafe burial practices.
- Seek health advice if travelling for healthcare, humanitarian or other high-risk work.
- Monitor your health and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms develop.
If you become unwell within 21 days of returning from travel, specially to an affected / at risk area:
- Isolate from others.
- Contact health authorities immediately.
- Inform healthcare providers about your travel history.
- Avoid further travel and crowded places until assessed by health authorities.
Accurate information helps protect communities
Misinformation often spreads rapidly during outbreaks and can increase health risks, delay care-seeking and undermine public health response. False claims such as - consuming alcohol can prevent Ebola or Hantavirus - only increase health risks.
Access to accurate and science-based information is hence important to protect and save lives.
Travelers and communities should seek information from trusted official sources and avoid sharing unverified information.
Misinformation also fuels fear, stigma and discrimination, which too undermines public health response.
Preventing stigma and discrimination during outbreaks.
BVD is a disease, not a cultural identity. Effective public health responses depend on facts, science-based guidance and solidarity rather than assumptions about people based on their nationality, ethnicity or place of origin.
Preparedness across the South-East Asia Region
The current risk of BVD in the Region is low. No cases have been reported.
“While the risk remains low, public health authorities are maintaining preparedness measures as a precaution. International travel means infectious diseases can occasionally cross borders, and early detection is critical for preventing further spread. Preparedness activities include training healthcare workers, strengthening surveillance, reviewing response protocols, and ensuring laboratory readiness. These actions are routine public health measures designed to help keep the risk low and protect our communities,” said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Regional Emergencies Director, WHO South-East Asia.
Across the Region, countries are strengthening surveillance at points of entry such as airports, seaports and land crossings.
Regional laboratory capacity to screen, confirm and characterize Ebola virus is in place, with WHO South-East Asia working closely with India's National Institute of Virology in Pune, a designated WHO Collaborating Centre.
WHO is providing technical and coordination guidance, as well as critical laboratory supplies, to the Member States.
WHO continues to work closely with Member States and partners to strengthen preparedness and response capacities while promoting calm, informed and science-based public health action across the Region.
Hantavirus and WHO South-East Asia
Hantaviruses are primarily rodent-borne viruses, and people are usually infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva.
Hantaviruses have in the past been documented in parts of Asia, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and preparation for zoonotic diseases.
The recent Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to an international cruise ship underscored the importance of preparedness, coordination, rapid public health response across countries, and effective engagement with communities to promote awareness, counter misinformation, and empower them to take appropriate health-seeking behaviors.