Uganda announced on Saturday, May 23, 2026, three new confirmed Ebola cases, bringing the total number of positive infections in the country to five since the outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain began.

According to Ugandan health authorities, the newly confirmed cases include a healthcare worker, a driver, and a Congolese national from Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Congolese patient reportedly crossed the border into Uganda to seek medical treatment.

The development has raised concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission in the Great Lakes region, where movement between Uganda and the DRC remains frequent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is working closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and health authorities in both countries to strengthen surveillance and contain the spread of the virus.

WHO has urged authorities to maintain heightened vigilance, especially in border areas, to ensure rapid detection of suspected cases, effective contact tracing, and reinforced prevention measures.

The Bundibugyo strain is one of the known variants of the Ebola virus. Although less common than other strains, it can cause severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and extreme weakness.

Ugandan health officials stated that medical response teams have already been deployed to monitor contacts and provide treatment for infected patients.

JOSHMISHUMBI