Ebola Spillover Into South Sudan Highly Likely, Lancet Study Says

(JUBA) – South Sudan faces a significant risk of Ebola spillover from the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new modelling study by the World Health Organisation has warned.

The study, published in The Lancet on Thursday, says South Sudan is the next most at risk after Uganda, which has already recorded 20 confirmed cases and two confirmed deaths from the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. The current outbreak has led to more than 1,000 confirmed cases and over 260 deaths in the DRC.

Researchers pointed to serious weaknesses in South Sudan’s public health infrastructure. They noted gaps in case management, contact tracing, safe burial practices and border surveillance. “South Sudan must continue to reinforce infection prevention and control, rapid response capacity, and cross-border surveillance,” the researchers stated.

The study found that the outbreak began spreading in communities in a region already affected by conflict, displacement and limited access to healthcare. It went undetected in early April 2026, around six weeks before the WHO officially identified it and declared a public health emergency.

The authors warned that no vaccine exists for the Bundibugyo strain. They urged neighbouring countries to put public health measures in place now, including border surveillance, contact tracing and safe burial practices. Rwanda and Burundi remain at comparatively low risk of receiving Ebola cases, according to the study.