A serious health alert has been raised across Africa as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) officially declared the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This significant declaration, made on May 18, 2026, underscores the urgency and severity of the situation, calling for a coordinated, continent-wide response to contain the spread of this deadly virus. This decision came after extensive discussions involving political leaders, health experts, and affected nations. It empowers Africa CDC to take a leading role in managing and coordinating efforts to combat the outbreak, drawing on its mandate to support member states during health emergencies, strengthen health systems, and promote disease prevention. ## Understanding the Bundibugyo Ebola Threat Ebola is a severe illness that can often be fatal, caused by a virus transmitted to humans from wild animals and then spreading through human-to-human contact. The Bundibugyo ebolavirus is one of several strains of Ebola, known for causing a severe hemorrhagic fever. Initial symptoms often appear suddenly and include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. These can rapidly progress to vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Unlike some other common infections, Ebola is not an airborne disease. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids (such as urine, feces, saliva, vomit, breast milk, semen) of an infected person, or through contact with surfaces and objects contaminated with these fluids. This includes contact with the bodies of individuals who have died from the disease, making safe and dignified burial practices critically important in preventing further transmission. Understanding these modes of transmission is key to effective prevention and control efforts. ## Why This Declaration Matters The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) is a critical step. It’s an official recognition by Africa CDC that an outbreak poses a significant risk to the health and security of multiple African nations. This status allows Africa CDC to immediately mobilize and coordinate financial, technical, and human resources from across the continent and with international partners. It facilitates stronger regional collaboration, boosts surveillance and laboratory systems, and supports the deployment of expert emergency responders to the affected areas and those at high risk. This measure aligns with Africa CDC’s foundational statute, which tasks the organization with coordinating support for member states in health emergencies, particularly those of continental or international concern. It’s a mechanism designed to ensure that Africa responds collectively and robustly to protect its populations, rather than individual countries battling a cross-border threat in isolation. ## The Current Outbreak: Cases and Regional Risks As of the declaration, approximately 395 suspected cases and 106 associated deaths have been reported. The majority of these cases are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the Mongwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia Health Zones. Uganda has also reported two cases and one death in its capital city, Kampala, highlighting the cross-border nature of this outbreak. The Africa CDC is particularly concerned about the potential for the virus to spread further. Several factors contribute to this heightened risk: intense population movement across borders, particularly in mining areas; ongoing insecurity in the affected regions, which can disrupt response efforts; weak infection prevention and control measures in some healthcare facilities; and the tragic reality of community deaths occurring outside formal healthcare systems, making contact tracing and safe burials more challenging. The proximity of affected areas to neighboring countries like Rwanda and South Sudan further amplifies the risk of regional transmission, emphasizing why a continental declaration was necessary. ## A United Response: Africa CDC's Strategy Africa CDC, under the leadership of Dr. Jean Kaseya, is emphasizing the need for coordinated continental action. The declaration is a call to action, aiming to leverage the collective will and resources of African institutions. Africa CDC is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen coordination, activating an Incident Management Support Team (IMST). This team operates under the “4 Ones” principle: one team, one plan, one budget, and one monitoring framework, a successful model previously used during mpox and cholera responses. Africa CDC has already deployed a multidisciplinary team of experts, including epidemiologists, infection prevention and control specialists, laboratory technicians, risk communication experts, and logistics and emergency coordinators. Furthermore, the organization has internally committed US$2 million to support the continental response, demonstrating its immediate financial commitment to combating the outbreak. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure a rapid, efficient, and harmonized response across all levels. ## Navigating Complex Challenges Responding to this outbreak presents unique challenges, as highlighted by Dr. Kaseya. The affected areas are among the most complex operational environments on the continent, characterized by persistent insecurity, high population mobility, and fragile health systems that struggle under normal circumstances. These factors make it difficult to reach affected communities, implement surveillance effectively, and provide consistent care. Additionally, a significant concern is the limited availability of validated vaccines and therapeutic treatments specifically for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, unlike the more common Zaire strain for which several vaccines exist. This scarcity of medical countermeasures means that traditional public health interventions—such as early detection, rapid isolation, contact tracing, robust infection prevention and control, and community engagement—become even more vital. The response must also address misinformation and build trust within communities to ensure cooperation with health initiatives, a task made harder by regional instability and historical mistrust. ## Crucial Role of Community Engagement and Prevention At the heart of any successful Ebola response is strong community engagement. Effective prevention measures rely on individuals understanding the risks and adopting safe practices. This includes promoting proper hand hygiene, avoiding direct contact with the body fluids of sick individuals, and reporting suspected cases promptly. Safe and dignified burial practices are especially critical, as traditional funeral rites often involve close contact with the deceased, which can lead to rapid spread of the virus. Health workers must also adhere to strict infection prevention and control protocols, using personal protective equipment and maintaining sterile environments. Community leaders, religious figures, and local organizations play an indispensable role in disseminating accurate information, dispelling myths, and encouraging adherence to public health guidelines. Their involvement builds trust and ensures that response strategies are culturally sensitive and effective. ## The Path Forward: Research and Preparedness With limited validated medical countermeasures for the Bundibugyo strain, Africa CDC is actively collaborating with various partners to assess available options and accelerate operational research. This includes efforts to generate more evidence and develop effective outbreak response strategies tailored to this specific virus. The organization will continue to provide regular updates as new epidemiological, laboratory, and sequencing information becomes available, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making. This outbreak serves as a stark reminder that Africa's health security is interconnected and demands early, collective, and science-based action. The concerted efforts of Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and all member states and international partners are essential to prevent further spread and protect the health and well-being of the populations at risk.