Ebola disease: Multi-country outbreak 2026

An outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus has been ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since May 2026. Cases were also reported in Kenya and Nigeria in October 2026 and have been reported in Uganda, where the outbreak has ended. 

Key facts

• On 20 October 2026, an Ebola case was reported in Nigeria. The individual, who had travel history to Uganda, developed symptoms on 7 October, sought medical care on 11 October, and tested positive on 20 October. A total of 44 contacts have been identified to date, and further epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
• As of 22 October, in Kenya, a total of nine confirmed cases, including one death, have been reported, all linked to the first case. The last case was reported on 20 October 2026 (close contact of the first case).
• As of 21 October 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported a total of 9 704 confirmed cases, including 4 687 related deaths (from data up until 20 October). Since the beginning of the outbreak, eight provinces have been affected: Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, Sud Ubangi and Nord Ubangi.
• ECDC is monitoring the outbreak through its epidemic intelligence activities and actively liaising with partners to support the response.

For more detailed epidemiological information and updates on the outbreak, visit ECDC’s Public health events page.

Cases medically evacuated or imported to Europe

Since May 2026, four cases of Ebola disease linked to the outbreak in DRC have been medically evacuated or imported to the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA). Three patients were medically evacuated for specialised care, two to Germany and one to the Netherlands. A fourth case was reported in France in July. All four cases involved people working in healthcare or humanitarian roles in affected areas of DRC. In July, a resident of the United Kingdom (UK) was also evacuated to the UK following potential exposure while treating Ebola patients in DRC.

ECDC risk assessment

On the basis of the available information, and given the uncertainties surrounding this outbreak, the likelihood of infection for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas is estimated to be low. Given the very low likelihood of importation and secondary transmission, the likelihood of infection for people living in the EU/EEA is estimated to be very low. This assessment will be reviewed as further information becomes available.