GENEVA — The World Health Organization declared the escalating Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Friday, citing rapid spread across multiple borders, overwhelmed health systems and the urgent need for global coordination to contain one of the deadliest viral diseases known to humanity.

The decision, made by the WHO's Emergency Committee after weeks of intense monitoring, marks the sixth time the organization has issued such a declaration for Ebola since the landmark 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people. Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the current situation as "extremely concerning," with confirmed cases now reported in three neighboring countries and the potential for further international transmission rising daily.

"This is not just a regional crisis — it is a global threat that requires immediate, coordinated action," Tedros said in a somber news conference from WHO headquarters. "We are seeing a highly transmissible strain with a case fatality rate approaching 60 percent in some areas. The world must respond now before it spirals further out of control."

The outbreak, first detected in late February in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has since spread to parts of the Republic of Congo and Gabon. As of May 16, 2026, health authorities have confirmed 487 cases and 292 deaths, according to the latest WHO situation report. The true numbers are likely higher due to limited testing capacity and ongoing insecurity in conflict-affected zones that hinder access for medical teams.

Rapid Spread and High Fatality Rate

Ebola, a filovirus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever, spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding. The virus's high lethality and ability to........

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