WHO: Outbreak 'Spreading Rapidly' with 600+ Suspected Cases, 139 Deaths

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus held a media briefing on May 20, 2026, warning that the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in DRC was 'spreading rapidly,' with nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths reported. The DG stressed that case numbers were expected to 'keep increasing, given the amount of time the virus was circulating before the outbreak was detected.' Geographic spread had expanded beyond the initial Ituri Province hotspots to include North Kivu, driven by population displacement. WHO raised its regional risk assessment to 'High' and DRC national risk to 'Very High,' while global risk remained 'Low.' The DG called for urgent international funding and response acceleration.