Ebola Outbreak Tops 10,000 Cases as CDC Cites Spread to Kenya, Nigeria

The DRC accounts for 10,274 confirmed cases and 4,992 confirmed deaths. Cases have been confirmed in Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Sud-Ubangi, Nord-Ubangi, and Tshopo provinces, making this the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country.¹

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the outbreak is spreading substantially faster than previous outbreaks. It surpassed 1000 confirmed cases within 40 days of response activation, compared with approximately 235 days for the 2018 outbreak in the DRC.¹ South Kivu has reported no confirmed cases since May 29.

Spread Beyond the DRC

As of October 23, Kenya's Ministry of Health had confirmed 9 cases of Ebola disease and 2 deaths. The first case was a travel-related infection reported October 6, involving a man who traveled from the DRC through Uganda to Nairobi, where he was hospitalized and died in an isolation unit.¹

Additional cases, including 1 more death, occurred among relatives or health care providers in close contact with him, and all were in quarantine when diagnosed. Kenya has reported no community spread.¹

On October 20, Nigeria reported its first case of Ebola in the 2026 outbreak, confirmed as Bundibugyo virus. Uganda reported 21 confirmed and probable cases and 3 deaths, with the last case confirmed June 21.¹

Response Challenges

The CDC cited limited health infrastructure, ongoing conflict, violence against health care workers, and shortages of personal protective equipment as factors making the outbreak harder to stop. Health care workers are becoming infected while treating patients.¹

Frequent population movement and cross-border travel raise the risk of spread to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and other areas. Distrust of government and misinformation further complicate communication.¹

US Travel Restrictions and Guidance for Clinicians

US entry for travelers who were in the DRC within 21 days of their flight is temporarily restricted, and those travelers will not be allowed to board commercial flights to US destinations. US citizens and nationals present in Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days must enter through designated airports for enhanced screening.¹

After November 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time, all passengers boarding an international flight to the US must attest they have not been in the DRC in the prior 21 days. The CDC recommends avoiding all travel to Ituri and Nord-Kivu provinces and nonessential travel to Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces.¹

Travelers to other parts of the DRC or Uganda should take enhanced precautions and monitor for symptoms during travel and for 21 days after leaving.¹

REFERENCES

1. Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation. CDC. Updated October 30, 2026. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/index.html