What Is Happening Right Now?

In early May 2026, a hospital in the Bunia Health Zone in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) identified a cluster of severe illnesses affecting healthcare workers. Initial laboratory tests in DRC were negative for the Ebola virus — but by May 15, testing revealed the true cause: Bundibugyo virus, one of four known types of orthoebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease in humans.

Out of 13 samples tested, 8 came back positive and 5 were inconclusive. As of May 16, there are 8 laboratory-confirmed cases in DRC, along with reports of 248 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths — a current death rate of approximately 32%. These numbers are expected to change as the outbreak evolves and more testing is carried out.

The outbreak has also crossed an international border. A patient who had travelled from DRC to Uganda became ill and died. On May 15, the Uganda Ministry of Health officially confirmed the death was caused by Ebola disease. One high-risk contact of the deceased has been placed in isolation, and no local cases within Uganda have yet been reported.

What Is Bundibugyo Virus?

Bundibugyo virus (pronounced BOON-de-BOON-joe) is one of the four types of orthoebolaviruses known to cause Ebola disease in humans. It was first identified during an outbreak in the Bundibugyo district of Uganda in 2007. Historically, Bundibugyo virus outbreaks have had death rates ranging from 25% to 50% — making it one of the more lethal known pathogens.

Importantly, there is currently no approved vaccine for Bundibugyo virus. The available Ebola vaccine (Ervebo) was developed specifically for Zaire ebolavirus and does not protect against the Bundibugyo strain. Treatment at this time consists of supportive care — managing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and preventing secondary infections — rather than targeted antiviral therapy.

How Is CDC Responding?

The CDC has activated its response through country offices in both DRC and Uganda, providing critical technical assistance across multiple areas. This includes disease tracking and contact tracing to identify and monitor all individuals who may have been exposed, laboratory sample collection and genetic sequencing of the virus to understand how it is evolving, infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for healthcare facilities, and local border screening to prevent further international spread.

CDC is also coordinating with affected countries, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international public health partners, supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control materials to frontline health workers, and conducting risk communication and community engagement in the most affected areas to fight misinformation and encourage people to seek care early.

Current Outbreak at a Glance

Should You Be Worried If You Are Travelling?

CDC has issued travel health notices for both affected countries. Travellers to the DRC are advised to practice enhanced precautions (Level 2 alert), while those travelling to Uganda are advised to practice usual precautions (Level 1 alert). These advisories may be updated as the situation evolves.

Ebola does not spread through casual contact, air, water, or food. The virus spreads only through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola disease. For the vast majority of international travellers who are not visiting healthcare settings or affected communities, the risk is very low.

However, anyone who develops a fever, severe headache, or other symptoms within 21 days of returning from DRC or Uganda should seek medical care immediately and inform their doctor about their travel history.