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June 1, 2026
Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
Background
- There is a rapidly growing outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in DRC and Uganda.
- On May 21, 2026, CDC began airport screening for US residents returning from impacted countries. Residents returning from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan are routed through specific US airports for symptom screening and exposure risk assessment before returning to their home states.
- To date, South Sudan has not reported any cases, but it is included in these efforts due to shared borders with affected countries.
- CDC and WA DOH will inform Public Health about returning King County residents with possible exposure risk. Based on the level of exposure risk, we will monitor these recent travelers directly or recommend self-monitoring for symptoms of Ebola. We will also coordinate with healthcare facilities to safely manage care of the exposed people.
- To date, no Ebola cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in the United States, and the risk of spread to the general public remains low.
- Ebola disease is spread through direct contact with the infected person's body fluids. It is NOT spread through airborne transmission. An infected person is not considered contagious until after symptoms start.
- There is currently no FDA-approved or authorized vaccine or treatment for BVD, but there are treatment therapies that have shown some efficacy in animal models. With early identification and intense supportive care and fluid replacement, mortality rates may be lowered.
Recommendations for clinicians
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Identify
- Obtain a detailed travel and exposure history from patients with compatible symptoms (e.g., fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms, or unexplained bleeding).
- WA DOH has created a Guide For Clinicians Evaluating an Ill Person for a Special Pathogen in Washington
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Isolate
If BVD is suspected based on compatible symptoms AND travel to an outbreak-impacted country within 21 days prior to onset,
- Immediately isolate the patient, AND
- Don appropriate enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow infection control recommendations, AND
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Report
Contact Public Health immediately at 206-296-4774 to discuss evaluation and testing.
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Test
- WA DOH Public Health Laboratory (PHL) can test for Bundibugyo virus.
- Testing for Bundibugyo virus (or any Ebola virus) can ONLY be completed with prior approval from both Public Health and WA DOH.
- Note WA PHL will also perform a rapid test for malaria for all specimens submitted for Ebola testing, as malaria is endemic to the region and symptoms can overlap.
- Patient specimens submitted for testing require Category A shipping and handling.
- Follow WA PHL Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions for Ebola.
Resources
- Ebola Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, CDC
- Health Alert, WA DOH
- Notifiable Conditions: Ebola Virus Disease and Marburg Virus Disease, WA DOH
- Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, CDC
- Clinical Guidance for Ebola Disease, CDC
- Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients in U.S. Hospitals who are Suspected or Confirmed to have Selected Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, CDC
- Interim Guidance: Public Health Assessment and Management of Travelers Arriving from the Affected Countries during the 2026 Ebola Outbreak | Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs), CDC
- Recommendations for Organizations Sending U.S.-based Personnel to Areas with VHF Outbreaks, CDC