At least six Americans have been exposed to the Ebola virus during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to sources from international aid organizations. Three of these individuals faced high-risk exposure, with one showing symptoms consistent with Ebola, though it is unclear if any have been infected or remain in Congo.
An American doctor who tested positive for Ebola has been evacuated to Germany for treatment, officials confirmed on May 18, 2026.
Scope of the Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the Ebola outbreak spanning Congo and neighboring Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern.” As of mid-May 2026, there have been over 300 suspected cases and at least 80 suspected deaths reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded eight laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases this year in Congo.
This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment.
U.S. Response and Precautions
The CDC is working with interagency partners to assist in the safe withdrawal of Americans affected by the outbreak. It has advised U.S. travelers in Congo and Uganda to exercise enhanced precautions, including avoiding contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, rash, severe weakness, abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and bleeding.
According to the CDC, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons and is not transmitted by casual contact or airborne routes. The risk to the broader American public remains low, but enhanced screening measures have been implemented at U.S. borders. Individuals without U.S. passports who have recently been in affected areas face entry restrictions.
The U.S. State Department is collaborating with Congolese and Ugandan authorities to contain the virus and is mobilizing support to international organizations with expertise in Ebola response, including UNICEF and the International Medical Corps.
Background
This current outbreak in eastern Congo’s Ituri province marks the 17th Ebola outbreak the country has faced since the virus was first identified there in 1976. The deadliest one, between 2014 and 2016, resulted in more than 11,000 deaths across West Africa.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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