Ebola Outbreak Reaches 11,145 Cases, 5437 Deaths

The Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 11,145 confirmed cases and 5437 confirmed deaths as of November 10, 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).¹ DRC accounts for 11,114 of those cases and 5433 deaths. The outbreak is now the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record and is spreading substantially faster than previous Ebola outbreaks, CDC reports.¹

Outside DRC, Kenya has reported 9 confirmed cases and 2 deaths, Uganda 20 confirmed cases and 2 deaths plus 1 probable case and 1 probable death, and Nigeria and France 1 confirmed case each.¹ No cases tied to this outbreak have been reported in the US, and CDC considers the overall risk to the American public and travelers low.¹

Confirmed deaths represent about 49% of confirmed cases. Investigation of additional cases is ongoing, and suspected cases and deaths in DRC are temporarily excluded from the count pending data standardization, so totals are expected to change.¹

How Fast Is the 2026 Ebola Outbreak Spreading?

The outbreak surpassed 1000 confirmed cases within 40 days of response activation.¹ By comparison, the 2018 Ebola outbreak in DRC took approximately 235 days to reach more than 1000 cases. This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC.¹

Cases have been confirmed in the DRC provinces of Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, Ituri, Nord-Kivu (North Kivu), Sud-Kivu (South Kivu), Sud-Ubangi (South Ubangi), Nord-Ubangi (North Ubangi), and Tshopo.¹ South Kivu has reported no confirmed cases since May 29.

Ebola Cases Reported Outside DRC

As of October 23, Kenya's Ministry of Health has confirmed 9 cases of Ebola disease and 2 deaths.¹ The initial case, reported October 6, involved a man who traveled from DRC through Uganda to Nairobi, where he was hospitalized and died in an isolation unit. Subsequent cases, including the second death, occurred among relatives and health care providers in close contact with him, all of whom were already in quarantine when diagnosed.¹

Kenya's Ministry of Health has reported no community spread, and all cases were in Nairobi.¹ On October 20, Nigeria reported its first case in the 2026 outbreak, with testing confirming Bundibugyo virus.¹

Uganda reported cases at the same time DRC declared the outbreak, with 21 confirmed and probable cases and 3 deaths overall.¹ The last confirmed case in Uganda recovered and was released from care on July 16, 2026, and France's single patient was released on July 4.¹ Neither country has reported active cases.

US Travel Restrictions and CDC Response

US entry for travelers recently in DRC remains temporarily restricted.¹ Travelers, including Americans, who have been in DRC within 21 days of their flight cannot board commercial flights to the US. US citizens and nationals who have been in Uganda or South Sudan, but not DRC, within 21 days of arrival must enter through designated airports for enhanced screening.¹

Since 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on November 3, all passengers boarding an international flight to the US must attest they have not been in DRC during the 21 days before departure.¹ CDC recommends avoiding all travel to Ituri and Nord-Kivu provinces and avoiding nonessential travel to Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces. Approximately 500 CDC staff are involved in the response, including more than 120 people deployed to affected countries.¹

Response Challenges for Clinicians and Public Health

CDC cites limited health infrastructure, ongoing conflict, and frequent cross-border population movement as barriers to containment.¹ Violence against health care workers and shortages of personal protective equipment are leading to infections among health care workers treating patients. Mistrust of government and misinformation further complicate outreach.¹

For US clinicians, CDC directs providers to its clinical guidance for Ebola disease, screening and diagnosis resources for viral hemorrhagic fevers, and infection prevention and control recommendations for US hospitals.¹ A travel history covering the prior 21 days remains central to identifying patients at risk.

References

1. Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation. CDC. Updated November 13, 2026. Accessed November 13, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/index.html