The World Health Organization declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after cases involving the rare Bundibugyo strain spread across borders and into urban centers.
Health officials had reported more than 300 suspected cases and nearly 120 deaths in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with imported cases confirmed in Uganda, reported Associated Press. WHO officials warn the outbreak may be substantially larger than currently detected due to delayed recognition, population movement, and ongoing conflict in the region.
The Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or targeted antiviral therapy, complicating containment efforts. “As such, this event is considered extraordinary,” WHO officials stated.
An American medical missionary working at Nyankunde Hospital in Bunia, DRC, Peter Stafford, MD, tested positive for Ebola and was evacuated for treatment, according to the missionary organization Serge and multiple media reports. Two additional American physicians, Rebekah Stafford, MD, and Patrick LaRochelle, MD, were also medically evacuated for monitoring.
“We are profoundly grateful for their dedication to the people of the DRC, and we deeply lament the hardship they are enduring under this current threat,” stated Serge Senior Director of Mission Joel Hylton. “Our concern extends equally to our Congolese colleagues and friends in the region who face these same risks.”
The CDC stated the risk to the US public remains low at this time but announced enhanced traveler screening and monitoring measures for individuals arriving from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The agency also mobilized response teams to support surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention, and outbreak containment activities in collaboration with local ministries of health.
As of May 14, the U.S. State Department is maintaining a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for parts of the DRC because of armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and health risks.
The CDC advised travelers returning from affected countries to monitor travel health notices and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms associated with Ebola—including fever, weakness, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, or diarrhea—develop within 21 days of travel.
References
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World Health Organization. Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Published May 17, 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Mobilizes International Response Following Ebola Disease Outbreak in DRC and Uganda. Published May 17, 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/cdc-mobilizes-international-ebola-response.html
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Associated Press. Congo opens more centers to treat rare type of Ebola that has killed nearly 120. Published May 18, 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://apnews.com/article/congo-ebola-305bf410419bdb1311020b72111c12e7
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Statement on the Use of Public Health Travel Restrictions to Prevent the Introduction of Ebola Disease into the United States. Published May 18, 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/title-42-order.html
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Serge. American Medical Missionary Safely Evacuated and Receiving Treatment Following Confirmed Ebola Diagnosis in Democratic Republic of Congo. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://serge.org/blog/american-medical-missionary-tests-positive-for-ebola-in-democratic-republic-of-congo/
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U.S. Department of State. Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/DemocraticRepublicoftheCongoDRC.html
