WHO declares Ebola emergency as South Africa’s hantavirus scare shows no local spread

What WHO said about the Ebola outbreak

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus now constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. The strain was first identified in 2007.

As of 16 May, WHO reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri province in the DRC across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. In addition, WHO reported two laboratory-confirmed cases in Kampala, Uganda, including one death, in people travelling from the DRC on 15 and 16 May.

Dr Tedros warned that neighbouring countries sharing land borders with the DRC are at high risk for further spread owing to population mobility, trade and travel linkages, and said the event requires international coordination to scale up surveillance, prevention and response efforts. He said an emergency committee will be formed as soon as possible to advise on temporary recommendations.

How the outbreak has spread and where

WHO confirmed cases are concentrated in Ituri province in eastern DRC. The appearance of a laboratory-confirmed case in the major eastern city of Goma an area the report notes is controlled by the M23 militia raised concerns about further spread.

South Africa’s hantavirus situation no local transmission

South African health authorities reported developments from the recent hantavirus incidents linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said there has been no secondary transmission identified in South Africa, meaning the country has not recorded local spread after infected passengers were evacuated or admitted for care.

“There is no secondary transmission identified in SA, meaning no local transmission,” Mohale said.

The British patient admitted to a hospital in Sandton is reported to be showing signs of recovery. A Western Cape high-risk contact tested negative and was discharged. Mohale also said one additional suspected case linked to the ship was reported in the Western Cape and is currently under investigation.

According to data captured by Kimberly Panozzo from the University of Toledo cited in the report, 173 people are suspected to have been exposed to hantavirus, with eight confirmed cases and three deaths.

What Johannesburg residents should know

While there is no evidence of local hantavirus transmission in South Africa, the WHO alert over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda highlights regional travel and public‑health concerns. The WHO has identified neighbouring countries as at higher risk because of cross‑border movement and travel linkages. Johannesburg residents travelling to the region or with connections to affected areas should be aware of evolving travel and health guidance from authorities.

Health and travel precautions

• Monitor official guidance: Follow updates from the WHO and South Africa’s health department for travel advisories and recommended precautions.
• If travelling: Be aware that WHO noted population mobility and trade links can increase risk of spread between countries bordering the DRC.
• Seek care if ill after travel: Anyone developing compatible symptoms after travel to affected areas should seek medical attention and inform clinicians about their travel history.

Ongoing response and investigation

WHO said the event requires international coordination and cooperation to better understand the outbreak, coordinate surveillance and response efforts, and ensure the ability to implement control measures. An emergency committee will advise on proposed temporary recommendations for the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.

Key facts:

• WHO declared the Ebola outbreak an international public health emergency on 17 May 2026.
• Bundibugyo ebolavirus is the strain implicated; it was first identified in 2007.
• As of 16 May: eight confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri province; two confirmed cases in Kampala, one fatal.
• South Africa: No secondary hantavirus transmission identified; British patient in Sandton recovering; Western Cape contact negative and discharged; one suspected case under investigation.
• Hantavirus exposure data: 173 suspected exposures, eight confirmed cases, three deaths (data cited to Kimberly Panozzo / University of Toledo).