The decision, announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus on Sunday, follows reports of confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
Although the situation is serious, it does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency under the WHO International Health Regulations.
As of May 16, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in the eastern DRC province of Ituri.
Cases have also been confirmed in the capital, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, where two infected people came from the DRC and were admitted to intensive care.
The WHO has warned that the outbreak is likely larger than currently detected, pointing to clusters of unexplained deaths, a high positivity rate among tested samples and a limited understanding of modes of transmission. At least four deaths among healthcare workers have also raised concerns about infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities.
The agency stressed that the outbreak poses a risk to neighboring countries due to high population mobility, trade ties and lingering humanitarian challenges in the affected regions.
No international travel restrictions necessary
Despite the risks, the WHO does not recommend restrictions on travel or international trade. Instead, he urged countries to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and community engagement, while ensuring accurate public information.
Authorities in the DRC and Uganda were advised to activate emergency response mechanisms, improve contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention and increase treatment capacities.
Community engagement, including working with local and religious leaders, is also seen as key to controlling the outbreak.
The WHO stressed that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, emphasizing the importance of accelerating research and clinical trials.
An emergency committee will be convened to make additional recommendations, as global health authorities step up efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent wider spread.
