The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, citing confirmation of the Bundibugyo species and a high positivity rate among samples. The agency warned that the outbreak may be significantly larger than currently detected and reported. The announcement also highlighted ongoing clusters of deaths and suspected cases, alongside cross-border spread signals into Uganda. WHO’s statement stressed that the situation requires rapid escalation of response measures for a virus with no approved vaccines or antivirals at the time of the update. The PHEIC status is likely to accelerate international coordination, laboratory capacity and trial readiness for investigational countermeasures.