Notes from the Field: Outbreak of Ebola Disease Caused by Bundibugyo Virus — Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, May 2026

Preliminary Conclusions and Actions

On May 17, 2026, CDC initiated a public health emergency response to support U.S. preparedness, the international outbreak response, and U.S. public health response coordination. The same day, the World Health Organization determined this outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. On May 18, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CDC announced new public health measures that included temporary U.S. entry restrictions. On May 19, CDC released a health advisory, initiated enhanced airport screening, and issued interim guidance for U.S. health departments managing travelers in their jurisdictions. CDC also issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for DRC (reconsider nonessential travel to provinces with cases) and a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Uganda (practice enhanced precautions).

To reduce the risk for Bundibugyo virus transmission in the United States, CDC is providing outreach and preparedness information for the public, clinical guidance for health care providers, and guidance for state, tribal, local, and territorial partners on public health management. In addition, CDC’s Laboratory Response Network is supporting diagnostic testing capacity at more than 40 U.S. laboratories. When needed, CDC offers clinical consultation for suspected Ebola cases and exposure risk assessments for U.S. citizens abroad who are returning to the United States.

To reduce the risk for spread to other countries and regions, CDC is collaborating with international partners and country offices in DRC and Uganda by providing assistance with epidemiologic investigations and contact tracing, laboratory testing, data management, infection prevention and control, border health surveillance, and risk communication and community engagement. In addition, CDC has worked with international partners to complete readiness assessments in bordering countries.

To support coordination among U.S. government agencies, CDC launched an Ebola dashboard within the Interagency Readiness and Response Hub, a secure collaboration platform, and is providing technical recommendations for BVD diagnostics to the U.S. Department of State. CDC is also collaborating with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the National Institutes of Health to guide interagency recommendations on medical countermeasures for BVD.

This ongoing BVD outbreak is occurring in geographic areas that have limited public health infrastructure and are affected by armed conflict, frequent population displacement, and cross-border movement (5). The scope of the outbreak is likely larger than that represented by available data and might prove challenging to contain and control.