Ebola blog

Updates for Local Health Departments: Ebola Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

May 20, 2026

Last Updated: June 18, 2026 | This post will be updated as the situation evolves.


Are you or your health department actively engaged in responding to this outbreak? We want to hear from you. NACCHO is collecting information from members about: What role your LHD is playing, what questions you have, and any gaps in federal support or resources that NACCHO can help elevate or advocate for on your behalf. Please fill out this form to let us know- hearing from you directly helps NACCHO better advocate for the resources and federal support that LHDs need—and ensures your work is visible and recognized. 


On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC. Related cases from travelers to DRC have also been reported in Uganda. EVD is a severe illness and is often fatal. Bundibugyo virus is one of the 4 types of orthoebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease in people. There is no vaccine, andtreatment consists of supportive care. Currently, no suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States. The risk of spread to the United States is considered low at this time.

Public Health and General Resources:

Resources for Health Care Providers and Clinicians

Resources for Travelers

To follow are updates from this response.

Effective for flights departing after 11:59 PM ET on Thursday, May 28, 2026, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York was added to the list of designated airports.

On May 28, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosted a COCA Call, What Clinicians Should Know about Ebola Bundibugyo Virus, to provide more information about outbreak, the history and ecology of Bundibugyo virus, what U.S. clinicians should know about preparing for, diagnosing, and managing patients with suspect or confirmed Ebola disease, and how to prevent Ebola viruses from spreading. Click here to view slides from the call.

Effective for flights departing after 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston was added to the list of designated airports.

On May 26, 2026, CDCTravel Health Notice for people traveling to Uganda was updated to Level 2.

On May 23, 2026, CDC announced expanded enhanced public health entry screening for Ebola to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport effective May 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

On May 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim final rule revising the authority under 42 CFR Part 71.40, which temporarily limits the entry of specific people into the United States to help stop the spread of dangerous diseases.

On May 21, 2026, CDC released Interim Guidance for Public Health Assessment and Management of Travelers from Countries Affected by the 2026 Ebola Outbreak.

On May 21, 2026, CDC announced enhanced Ebola airport screening at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a federal register notice that outlines the redirection of affected travelers to Washington-Dulles International Airport beginning 11:59 p.m. May 20, 2026, for enhanced public health screening.

On May 19, 2026, CDC Issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory about an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

On May 18, 2026, the U.S. implemented enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures.

On May 15, 2026, CDC issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for people traveling to Uganda and a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for people traveling to DRC (Spanish version). On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization determined this outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern.  Click here to view the full report.

On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC. Related cases from travelers to DRC have also been reported in Uganda. EVD is a severe illness and is often fatal. Bundibugyo virus is one of the 4 types of orthoebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease in people. There is no vaccine, andtreatment consists of supportive care.

Currently, no suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States. The risk of spread to the United States is considered low at this time.


NACCHO is actively monitoring the situation and working to ensure local health departments have the timely information and resources they need to respond.

Tell Us How You’re Responding — We Want to Hear From You

NACCHO is collecting information from members about: What role your LHD is playing, what questions you have, and any gaps in federal support or resources that NACCHO can help elevate or advocate for on your behalf. Please fill out this form to let us know- hearing from you directly helps NACCHO better advocate for the resources and federal support that LHDs need—and ensures your work is visible and recognized. 

About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the approximately 3,300 local health departments across the United States. NACCHO’s mission is to improve the health of communities and strengthen and support local health departments. Learn more at naccho.org.


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