WHO Reports Rapid Increase in Ebola Cases in DRC and Uganda, Raising Concerns
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda since late May. As of June 6, 2026, the DRC has confirmed 515 cases and 91 deaths, with 390 new cases reported since May 29. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Ituri province, but cases have been identified across 25 health zones, some hundreds of miles from the epicenter. Uganda has also seen a rise in cases, with 19 confirmed as of June 6, marking an increase of 10 cases since the last update. The WHO attributes the rise in confirmed cases to improved testing and diagnosis capabilities. The organization assesses the risk of transmission as 'very high' in the DRC and 'high' in neighboring countries, though the risk to the rest of Africa and the world remains 'low'.