Ebola Outbreak Death Toll Reaches 220, WHO Reports

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 25, 2026, that at least 220 people are suspected to have died from the ongoing Ebola outbreak. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health workers are currently 'playing catch-up' due to delays in detecting cases. Ugandan health authorities confirmed two new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections in Uganda to seven, all linked to the outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where suspected cases have surpassed 900. The outbreak, which began before the official declaration on May 15, has faced challenges including local distrust and violence against healthcare facilities. The WHO has classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus involved has no approved vaccine or treatment, although a vaccine is in development. Recent attacks on healthcare facilities in eastern Congo have further complicated the response efforts.