ECDC increases activities as Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda intensifies

The current outbreak is of serious concern, and is in many ways not comparable with previous Ebola outbreaks. The highly complex situation in the affected region makes it considerably more difficult to take effective countermeasures. The circumstances are made still more challenging by the fact that this outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. 

In order to gather first-hand information from the field, ECDC is working closely with partners to establish a larger presence via the EU Health Task Force to support DRC and Uganda. This will also enable the Centre to gather more detailed information on exit screening, which ECDC continues to emphasise is crucial to reduce risk by identifying travellers who are symptomatic. It will also allow ECDC to promptly update its risk assessment and recommendations for the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). 

The action ECDC is taking to support health authorities in the affected countries while ensuring the health security of people in the EU/EEA includes:

• Support to EU/EEA countries to provide clear and practical travel advice for all those arriving from the affected areas, including what to do if they develop symptoms
• Assistance to EU/EEA countries in strengthening readiness to rapidly detect and isolate anyone infected who is arriving from the regions affected and carry out all necessary control measures
• Daily epidemiological updates
• Forthcoming ECDC scientific advice on infection prevention and control measures in the EU/EEA
• Deployment of an ECDC expert to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the EU Health Task Force to support coordination and operational planning
• As a further step, a larger deployment of ECDC experts to the region via the Task Force is in progress​
• Work on a modelling study on the likelihood of importation of cases into the EU/EEA​
• Cooperation with the aviation sector to strengthen the safety of all passengers on board, ensuring a consistent approach to the management of suspected cases during flights
• Development of a series of infographics for policymakers, healthcare practitioners​, and the general public

More than 900 suspected cases of Ebola disease were reported in DRC as of 24 May 2026. Uganda has so far reported seven cases. ECDC continues to assess the likelihood of infection for anyone from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas as low, provided they follow the recommended precautionary measures.