Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 19 May 2026
This page is updated as more information becomes available. It was last updated 19 May 17:30.
A large outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease is taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As of 19 May 2026, over 500 suspected cases and 130 deaths of Bundibugyo virus disease have been reported in the country and 30 cases have been laboratory-confirmed. Most cases to date have been reported in the Ituri Province and one case has been reported in Goma, North Kivu Province.
One American citizen has been exposed to the virus in a healthcare setting in DRC. According to the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this person and six high-risk contacts are being medically evacuated to a special isolation ward in Germany.
In addition, Uganda has reported two imported cases in people who had travelled from DRC.
The outbreak is unfolding in a complex setting marked by insecurity and humanitarian challenges. Significant uncertainties remain regarding the scale of transmission, and the outbreak is likely larger than currently described. There are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available for Bundibugyo virus disease.
The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Emerging, Rodent-borne and Zoonotic Viral Pathogens (EURL-PH-ERZV) has provided recommendations on the diagnosis of Bundibugyo virus disease and biosafety considerations, as well as information on available diagnostic methods. The EURL is also offering diagnostic support, testing protocols, and advice on biorisk management to EU/EEA countries.
ECDC is actively liaising with key partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the European Commission, and the World Health Organization to provide support through the EU Health Task Force in the response to this outbreak. ECDC is deploying an expert from the EU Health Task Force to Africa CDC’s headquarters to support coordination and operational planning.
Although information remains limited, we assess the likelihood of infection for people living in the EU/EEA to be very low. ECDC continues to monitor the situation closely and will update its assessment as new information becomes available.