CDC Issues Health Advisory on Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda
TL/DR –
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert regarding a new outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda caused by the Bundibugyo virus. As of May 16, 2026, there have been 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, primarily in northeast DRC. The CDC emphasizes that the risk of spread to the U.S. is considered low at this time, and is working with its country offices and partners in DRC and Uganda to provide technical assistance with disease tracking and contact tracing, laboratory sample collection and testing, and coordinating with affected countries and international public health partners.
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory in response to a new outbreak of Ebola (caused by the Bundibugyo virus) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. As of now, the risk of spread to the United States is low. This Health Advisory provides recommendations for U.S. health departments, clinical laboratories, and healthcare workers for the identification, testing, and biosafety considerations of potential Ebola cases.
Background
On May 15, 2026, an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC was confirmed. As of May 16, a total of 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been reported. In neighboring Uganda, Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) has been confirmed in a patient who had traveled from DRC. Ugandan authorities have activated surveillance, screening, and response measures.
A Level 1 Travel Health Notice for people traveling to Uganda and a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for those traveling to DRC have been issued by the CDC. This particular outbreak of Ebola has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization.
This is the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in DRC. Previous outbreaks of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) have had mortality rates of approximately 25%-50%. The CDC is working through its country offices and partners to provide technical assistance with disease tracking and contact tracing, laboratory sample collection and testing, and coordination with affected countries and international public health partners.
The risk of spread to the United States is considered low. However, CDC is working to raise awareness of this outbreak among travelers, public health departments, laboratories, and healthcare workers in the United States.
Four orthoebolaviruses cause illness in people, presenting as clinically similar disease. They include Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Taï Forest virus, and Bundibugyo virus. The incubation period for BVD ranges from 2 to 21 days after exposure. Ebola disease is spread through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola. It is not spread through airborne transmission.
Without early diagnosis and appropriate supportive care, Ebola can be fatal. There is currently no FDA-licensed or authorized vaccine to protect against Bundibugyo virus infection. The Ebola vaccine licensed in the United States is not expected to protect against Bundibugyo virus or other orthoebolaviruses. There is currently no FDA-approved or authorized treatment for BVD, but there are therapies that have shown some efficacy in animal models.
CDC has developed recommendations for U.S.-based organizations with staff working in affected areas.
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