Virus Watcher Weekly 3 min read

Virus Watcher Weekly, May 31 to June 7, 2026

Ebola declared PHEIC as outbreaks surge globally. Vibriosis and COVID-19 also remain top concerns.

VW

Virus Watcher Intelligence Desk

Written from CDC surveillance data and Virus Watcher outbreak feeds

Published 2026-06-07

This week, the World Health Organization declared the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following confirmed cross-border transmission. In response, Kenya has intensified border surveillance and preparedness measures, including setting up testing laboratories.

Uganda has reported two new cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Kampala, bringing the total confirmed cases to nine, including one death. Public health advisories urge avoiding non-essential travel to affected Central African nations.

Beyond Ebola, vibriosis remains a prominent concern, with significant cholera outbreaks reported in Borno State, Nigeria, where over 3,000 cases and 37 deaths have been recorded in May. COVID-19 continues to be monitored, alongside imported measles cases and hantavirus.

A notable public health discussion point emerged from the unexpected death of a professional athlete due to pneumonia, highlighting that severe infectious diseases can impact individuals across all demographics.

The week's top stories

  • Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak declared PHEIC WHO declared the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a PHEIC due to cross-border transmission.

  • Kenya steps up Ebola preparedness Kenya has intensified Ebola preparedness, screening millions of travelers and setting up testing laboratories.

  • Ebola Virus Disease cases in Uganda Uganda reported two new EVD cases in Kampala, bringing the total to nine, with one death.

  • Unexpected pneumonia death of athlete A professional athlete's death from pneumonia highlighted the potential severity of infectious diseases in seemingly healthy individuals.

  • Cholera outbreak in Borno State Over 3,000 cholera cases and 37 deaths have been recorded across seven local government areas in Borno State, Nigeria.

This week by the numbers: 418 surveillance items processed, 5 diseases active.

Previous week: May 24 · Next week: Jun 7 · All weeks

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