Bundibugyo Ebola Spreads Across Eastern DRC and into Uganda

An Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus – a strain for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists – is actively spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has now reached Uganda. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest international health alert available. The outbreak is growing rapidly, and the situation is changing daily.

Where and how many

The outbreak began in early May 2026, with the suspected index case a healthcare worker in Bunia, Ituri Province, whose source of infection remains unknown. As of May 27:

More than 1,100 suspected and confirmed cases, including at least 255 deaths
Active transmission in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces in eastern DRC
121 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 17 confirmed deaths
At least four healthcare workers have died; the number of infected health workers continues to grow
An American national working in DRC has tested positive and is being evacuated for care
Contact tracing is ongoing

It has now spread within Uganda

Seven confirmed cases have now been reported in Uganda, including one death. Three of these cases are linked to travel from DRC. Uganda has closed its border with the DRC as of May 2026. The situation in Uganda is being actively monitored, and case counts are expected to rise.

Why this outbreak is especially difficult to contain

The response in the DRC is significantly complicated by regional insecurity, restricted access for health workers, civil unrest, humanitarian crisis, and ongoing population movement across affected areas – all of which make detection and isolation of new cases harder and slower. Health experts have noted alarm that the outbreak had already reached hundreds of suspected cases by the time it was first officially reported.

What travelers need to know about this strain

Bundibugyo ebolavirus is distinct from the more widely known Zaire ebolavirus. The existing Ebola vaccines, including Ervebo, do not protect against this strain, and no therapeutics have been approved for it. Work is underway to test promising candidates, but none are currently available.

Entry restrictions now in place

Due to the ongoing outbreak, several countries have implemented entry restrictions for travelers who have recently been in the DRC, South Sudan, and/or Uganda. These measures are subject to change.

Bahrain – Non-Bahraini citizens who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda in the past 30 days are restricted through June 18, 2026
Canada – Residents of the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda are restricted through August 25, 2026
Jordan – Non-Jordanian citizens arriving from the DRC or Uganda are restricted through August 18, 2026
Uganda – The border with the DRC is closed through June 24, 2026
United States – Non-U.S. citizens who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda in the past 21 days are restricted through June 17, 2026. Lawful U.S. residents are exempt. All U.S. passport holders and lawful permanent residents who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the past 21 days must enter the U.S. through one of three designated airports for enhanced screening: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), or Washington Dulles (IAD)

Additional quarantine and enhanced screening measures may be in place at destination and are subject to change. Check requirements before you travel.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms typically appear 2–21 days after exposure. Watch for:

Sudden fever, severe headache, and intense fatigue
Muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping
Unexplained bleeding or bruising in later stages of illness

If you develop these symptoms within 21 days of returning from the DRC or Uganda, do not go directly to a clinic or emergency room. Call ahead so your provider can prepare isolation precautions and protect staff and other patients from potential exposure.

How to protect yourself

The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the DRC – avoid all non-essential travel until the outbreak is declared over.
The CDC has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Uganda – exercise increased caution, particularly in Kampala and near the DRC border.
If travel to affected areas is necessary, avoid hospitals and crowded healthcare settings unless urgently needed.
Ebola does not spread through the air – it requires direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is symptomatic. Standard precautions and awareness go a long way.
There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for this outbreak.

Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda – Travel Restrictions Now in Place Across Five Countries