What You Need To Know
Please see the below the CDC Health Advisory regarding a new outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
On May 15th, 2026 the Ministry of Health of the DRC confirmed an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the northeastern region of the country. Ugandan health authorities have also confirmed a case of Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in a patient who had traveled from DRC.
CDC has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Uganda and a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for DRC. The World Health Organization has determined this outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern.
At this time, the risk of spread to the United States is considered low, however it is possible that travelers returning from affected areas may enter the United States. Therefore, healthcare providers, clinical laboratories, and local health departments should review the information in the attached CDC HAN message.
Additionally, all healthcare providers should obtain travel history from all patients with infectious symptoms and be aware of regions impacted by outbreaks of high consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) such as Ebola. Use of a travel flag in the electronic medical record is vital for quickly identifying patients who have been in affected areas within the past 21 days, enabling timely detection and proper infection control procedures.
All healthcare facilities should have a plan to safely conduct the initial evaluation and immediate isolation of patients who have both exposure risk and any symptoms compatible with Ebola/BVD. A history of being in the DRC or Uganda during the past 21 days should not be a reason to defer routine laboratory testing or other measures necessary for standard patient care as travelers returning from these areas are prone to more common and treatable diseases like malaria, influenza, and other gastrointestinal or febrile illnesses. However, if BVD is suspected, notify the local health department by telephone immediately. NJDOH can arrange testing and help coordinate care to prevent potential spread if a diagnosis of BVD is being considered after consultation with the health department.
At this time, LHDs should continue to follow the guidance for Public Health Management of People with Suspected or Confirmed VHF or High-Risk Exposures.
Additional details and guidance on clinical evaluation of patients, infection prevention/ PPE protocols, laboratory biosafety, and for travelers to the affected areas can be found in the attached HAN and at the CDC and NETEC websites.