Outbreak of Ebola in DRC - update

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Ebola is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo more quickly than in any previous outbreak. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Thursday that the Ebola outbreak in the DRC in 2018-2020 “took more than 10 months to reach 2,000 confirmed cases”. But this time, it took only two months for there to be over 2,000 confirmed cases. (al jazeera) Event: Due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Department of Homeland Security has implemented new restrictions under Title 49 of the U.S. Code which prevent U.S. citizens and nationals who have been in the DRC within a 21-day period from entering the United States via commercial aviation. Travelers who have been in the DRC within 21 days of their flight will not be allowed to board flights with U.S. destinations. All U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been in the DRC should plan to remain outside the DRC for 21 days before entering the United States. Visit the CDC’s page on Information for Travelers Returning from Ebola-Affected Areas for more information. Actions to take:  Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on Travel Restrictions to Prevent the Spread of Contagious Diseases . Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need financial assistance to change your flights or for temporary lodging in a country outside the DRC or the United States. Review Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak. Review the Additional Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak. Notify friends and family of your safety. Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Check with your medical insurance provider on evacuation and treatment abroad options should you fall ill while in DRC. Alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola disease to receive guidance prior to presenting for care. Update medical directives for your care in case of serious illness abroad. Complete a will and update end-of-life instructions. Assistance: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, DRC:  310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe  +243 81-556-0151/0152 or +243-972-616-193 (after hours and weekends)  ACSKinshasa@state.gov  https://cd.usembassy.gov/  If you are planning to travel to the United States, contact your airline to confirm your flight and route. You may also contact the State Department – Consular Affairs: Phone: +1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive safety and security updates. You are receiving this message because you are registered with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP Subscriptions Click here to unsubscribe. Registered Users Click here to manage your account and preferences. Any non-U.S. government website links included in this message are provided for your convenience. Their inclusion does not mean the U.S. Department of State or U.S. government endorses the organization, its views, products, services, or the accuracy of its information. Since May 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along with its neighbor Uganda, has been experiencing a severe and alarming Ebola outbreak. On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The outbreak (the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC) was identified on May 15, 2026, as being caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this virus (unlike other strains). The case numbers** (depending on the source and date, as of approximately July 8–13, 2026) indicate that there are approximately 2,070 confirmed cases and 800 deaths in the DRC. The case fatality rate is approximately 30–35%. There are hundreds of recovered patients and many hospitalized. The affected provinces are primarily Ituri (epicenter, e.g., around Bunia), North Kivu, and South Kivu; it has now spread to Haut-Uele and Tshopo. Over 30 health zones are affected. The affected regions in eastern Congo are suffering from ongoing armed conflict. This precarious situation severely hampers the work of medical teams (such as Doctors Without Borders and the WHO) in contact tracing and establishing treatment centers. High number of unreported cases: Due to delays in detection and limited access to clinics, a very high percentage of infected individuals die in the communities before they can be isolated, which facilitates uncontrolled spread. The outbreak is growing very rapidly (the fastest Ebola outbreak to date, occurring in the first few weeks) and is not yet under control (the "expansion phase"). The peak has not yet been reached. There is significant community transmission, incomplete contact tracing (approximately 55–80%), and many undetected cases. The situation is exacerbated by displaced people in camps (some outbreaks have occurred there), overcrowded treatment centers (reaching 90–95% capacity), resistance within the population, a weak health system, and miners who are spreading the virus. Many children are affected. Resources include expanded laboratories, clinical trials of therapies (e.g., MBP134, Remdesivir), more community health workers, quarantine regulations, and international aid (WHO, Africa CDC, MSF, etc.). The WHO has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In Uganda, there are approximately 20 confirmed cases and 2 deaths (as of early/mid-July), mostly imported from the Congo or secondary transmission among contacts/health workers (e.g., in Kampala). No new cases have been reported since approximately June 21, and there is no ongoing community transmission. The situation is well controlled due to experience gained from previous outbreaks. No major outbreaks have been reported in other countries. The risk for South Sudan (high), Rwanda, Burundi, etc., is high due to border traffic. There are isolated imported cases (e.g., from France). Many neighboring countries are on high alert with increased surveillance. The WHO, Africa CDC, and international partners are currently working intensively to contain the chains of transmission through intensified surveillance, quarantine measures, and the involvement of local communities. Overall, the risk of regional spread remains, but so far the outbreak is mainly concentrated in eastern DRC.