Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda Source: Pan American Health Organization Washington, D.C., 18 May 2026 (PAHO) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued advice to Member States following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Africa Region. While risk to the general population remains low, PAHO calls on countries across the Americas to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control measures. On 17 May 2026, WHO declared the event a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), following the detection of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cross-border cases in Uganda, and concerns over the potential for further international spread. The determination was made in consultation with the affected States Parties. Disease caused by infection with viruses of the genus Orthoebolavirus is a severe and often fatal illness. The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, organs, or other bodily materials of infected people or animals, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding. In accordance with the advice currently in effect under the IHR 2005, PAHO reiterates that countries reinforce prevention and control measures in health care settings. These include effective triage systems to rapidly identify suspected cases, safe isolation procedures, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), training of health care personnel, safe waste management, and environmental cleaning and disinfection. PAHO also highlights the importance of ensuring timely access to laboratory diagnosis through national and regional laboratory networks, including established mechanisms for safe sample collection, packaging, and transport. Rapid laboratory confirmation under strict biosafety procedures, is critical for the timely initiation of public health measures and for reducing the risk of further transmission. In addition to strengthening health system preparedness, PAHO emphasizes the importance of providing the public with timely, accurate, and evidence-based information on the outbreak, including clear guidance on measures to reduce the risk of exposure and prevent transmission. PAHO also underscores that, in line with current WHO advice, no country should close its borders or impose restrictions on travel or trade in response to the outbreak. Such measures are not supported by scientific evidence and may be counterproductive, as they can drive the movement of people and goods toward informal and unmonitored border crossings, increasing rather than reducing the risk of disease spread. The Organization continues to work closely with ministries of health and international partners to support readiness activities across the Region. As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths had been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda has also reported laboratory-confirmed cases, including at least one death linked to the outbreak. WHO has published additional information on the outbreak through its Disease Outbreak News updates. News Releases Ebola Virus Disease Health Emergencies