WHO declared a state of emergency due to the Ebola outbreak: does the virus pose a threat to Russia?

      On May 18, 2026, at 18:08, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern due to an outbreak of Ebola in Congo and Uganda. According to WHO, although the situation has not yet reached pandemic levels, it poses a serious threat to public health and requires coordinated actions at the international level. As of May 16, there have been 8 laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 presumed deaths reported in Ituri province in eastern DRC. WHO warns of the potential underreporting of the scale of the infection due to insufficient understanding of epidemiological links and a high level of suspected cases. The humanitarian crisis, instability, high population mobility, and informal medical facilities increase the risks. At least four healthcare workers have already died after contracting Ebola. Unlike the Ebola-Zaire strain, there are no effective preventive measures and treatments for the Ebola-Bundibugyo strain. Ebola-Bundibugyo is one of the types of ebolaviruses, first identified after an outbreak in the Bundibugyo area of Uganda in 2007. WHO recommends that DRC and Uganda strengthen epidemic surveillance and prepare rapid response systems, while opposing border closures. The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) reported that the risk of Ebola spreading in Russia is absent: the agency is conducting enhanced sanitary and quarantine control and cooperating with African countries where joint research centers and mobile laboratories operate. Virologist, professor, and chief researcher at the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Anatoly Altshtein emphasized in a conversation with 360.ru that Ebola is a very dangerous disease, especially in Africa. In 2014-2015, the epidemic affected several countries, resulting in over 20,000 infections, with a fatality rate of 40% to 80%. Several cases were also recorded in Europe and North America. According to Altshtein, the high fatality rate is due to both the properties of the virus and the quality of medical care. There are no specific medications, but the rapid administration of saline solutions reduces the risk of dehydration and death. Initial symptoms of Ebola, such as a sudden rise in temperature, nausea, vomiting, and weakness, are nonspecific and can be signs of other infections, so it is important to conduct laboratory tests promptly. The specialist noted that the spread of the disease is often associated with rituals related to funerals, where it is customary to kiss the deceased and have close contact. If a person dies from Ebola, they should be cremated, and the body must be handled very carefully, warned the virologist. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain materials 18+.