Press announcement
Supporting Your Employees Amid Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda
Updated
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
On 17 May 2026, WHO confirmed that the epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, met the criteria for a PHEIC due to its severity, cross-border spread, and potential risk to international public health. WHO has also raised that the true scale of the outbreak may be larger than currently reported, citing clusters of unexplained deaths and high positivity rates in tested samples.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Unlike airborne diseases, it requires close contact for transmission but can spread rapidly in healthcare and community settings without adequate infection control measures.
Key Risk Factors
The situation presents several challenges:- The full extent of this outbreak is uncertain at this time and is likely to grow significantly, including possibly in geographic extent. The outbreak is impacting areas characterised by numerous operational challenges, including densely populated urban centres with highly mobile populations and frequent cross-border movement, all of which elevate the risk of further transmission. The large number of suspected cases makes thorough contact tracing extremely challenging, and it is likely to be at least months before the outbreak is brought under control.
- The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or specific treatments, complicating containment efforts
International SOS’ Response
We are actively monitoring the evolving outbreak and assisting organizations to safeguard their people and operations. Support includes:- Real-time medical and security intelligence updates
- Travel risk assessments and guidance for affected regions
Workforce and workplace health preparedness and response planning - 24/7 access to medical advice and assistance services
- On-the-ground support capabilities where required
- Review and update business continuity and outbreak response plans
- Reinforce employee awareness of Ebola symptoms and transmission
- Ensure access to trusted medical support and evacuation plans
- Monitor the situation, understand the risk of potential expansion of the outbreak and impacts on mobility.
Subscribers can visit the International SOS Global Health Threat website for latest updates.
About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of protecting and saving lives. Wherever you are, we deliver customized security risk management, health and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. We uniquely combine industry-leading technology with expertise in security, medical and logistics to deliver risk prevention programs that offer real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground support. In the event of a security incident, epidemic, extreme weather or any other business-disrupting event, we provide fast, industry-leading response and assistance capabilities, giving you and your workforce peace of mind.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for over 40 years. Headquartered in London and Singapore, we are trusted by over 9,000 organizations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 13,000 global experts stand with you to provide support and assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, in over 110 languages, 24/7, 365 days a year.
We help protect your people and your organization, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, your organization can fulfil its Duty of Care responsibilities and fortify its business continuity.