Ebola Update: Death Toll Rises, Some Americans are Exposed to Disease
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa has seen the number of cases and deaths rise, and reporting shows some Americans have been exposed to the virus and will likely need quarantining.
Updated May 18 Report:
According to a BBC report, the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the British news organization that at least 100 people have died in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 390 suspected cases have also been seen. In Uganda, there are 2 confirmed cases and 1 death.
Additionally, they noted at least 6 Americans have been exposed to Ebola and 1 of them is experiencing symptoms.1 It has not officially been announced where the Americans might be quarantined, but in the same report, it was speculated the Americans could be flown to a military base in Germany to wait out the quarantine period, which is a standard 21 days.
Check back for more coverage as this is an evolving story.
Original May 17 Report:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). While the outbreak was deemed serious enough to require urgent international coordination, WHO clarified that it does not currently meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency.2 The declaration follows mounting concerns over the spread of the virus across borders, significant uncertainty surrounding the true scale of infections, and evidence of transmission in both community and healthcare settings. WHO Director-General praised the governments of the DRC and Uganda for their transparency and rapid response efforts, emphasizing the importance of international preparedness and cooperation.2
Cross-Border Transmission Raises Alarm
As of May 16, 2026, health authorities have reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, affecting multiple health zones including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. Uganda has also confirmed two unrelated cases in Kampala among travelers arriving from the DRC, including one death.2
WHO noted that the outbreak appears to be significantly larger than currently documented. The agency cited a high positivity rate among early samples, increasing clusters of unexplained deaths, and growing reports of suspected infections across Ituri and North Kivu provinces.2
The outbreak is further complicated by ongoing insecurity, humanitarian challenges, and extensive population movement throughout the region. Informal healthcare systems and reports of healthcare-associated infections — including at least four suspected deaths among healthcare workers — have heightened concerns about infection prevention and control gaps.2
Lack of Approved Treatments Intensifies Concerns
Unlike outbreaks caused by the Ebola-Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics specifically targeting the Bundibugyo virus strain. WHO officials warned that the absence of targeted medical countermeasures increases the risk posed by the outbreak and makes containment efforts more difficult.2
The organization also stressed the need for stronger international coordination to improve surveillance, support response operations, and better understand the outbreak’s epidemiological links. An Emergency Committee will soon be convened under the International Health Regulations to advise WHO on temporary recommendations for countries responding to the crisis.2
Neighboring countries bordering the DRC are considered at particularly high risk because of extensive trade, travel, and population mobility throughout the region.2
Symptoms and How it Spreads
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of Ebola disease can appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to an orthoebolavirus, though most people begin showing signs within 8 to 10 days. The highest risk of infection is among healthcare workers and family members caring for infected patients without proper infection control precautions. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of someone who is sick or has died from the disease, and in rare cases, through contact with infected animals such as bats or non-human primates. The viruses that cause Ebola disease generally pose little risk to travelers or the broader public.3
Again, what makes this particular strain even more concerning is the fact there are no vaccines or treatments, which could make the strain continue to travel without guardrails.
References
1. Santos S. At least 100 deaths reported in Ebola outbreak in DR Congo as six Americans exposed. BBC. May 18, 2026. Accessed May 18, 2026.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6pz60p996o
2.Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern. WHO statement. May 17, 2026. Accessed May 17, 2026.
https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern
3. Ebola Disease Basics. CDC. May 15, 2026. Accessed May 17, 2026.
https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/about/index.html
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