“Public Health Emergency Of International Concern” Declared By World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a “public health emergency of international concern” due to “Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.”

“Pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 12 – Determination of a public health emergency of international concern, including a pandemic emergency of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), after having consulted the States Parties where the event is known to be currently occurring, is hereby determining that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency, as defined in the IHR,” the WHO stated in a release.

“As of 15 May, a total of 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths (4 deaths among confirmed cases) have been reported. 65 contacts have been listed, with 15 identified