World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivers a speech at the opening of the 79th World Health Organization (WHO) assembly in Geneva, on May 18, 2026. WHO member states gather for their annual meeting in Geneva amid concern over deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks and uncertainty over announced US and Argentinian withdrawals. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images)
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — The World Health Organization director-general has expressed concern over the rapid spread of a rare type of Ebola in eastern Congo. Authorities have reported at least 134 suspected deaths and over 500 cases. The Bundibugyo virus has no approved treatments or vaccines. The outbreak has been declared a public health emergency requiring international response. The virus has spread to urban areas, raising fears of further spread and deaths. A WHO official on the ground says any vaccine approved for use would still take about two months to become available. The region was already facing a humanitarian crisis, complicating outbreak response efforts.
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