CDC warns of growing Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda
CDC warns of growing Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda
Updated at: June 19, 2026 at 06:01 AM
As of mid-June 2026, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda are battling a significant Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
Unlike the more common Zaire strain, this rare virus currently lacks approved vaccines or specific treatments.
The outbreak, which began in May 2026, has seen hundreds of confirmed cases, primarily in the eastern provinces of the DRC, though cases have reached as far as Kampala, Uganda.
Officials warn that without urgent intervention, the infection count could climb rapidly.
Efforts to control the virus are facing major obstacles, including regional insecurity, a lack of local trust, and significant funding gaps.
CDC has provided $107 million in emergency support and implemented enhanced travel screenings, they stress that the risk to the general public outside of Central Africa remains low.
This incident marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976.
As teams work to improve detection and contact tracing, the global community is being urged to help bridge the critical funding shortfall needed to contain this dangerous health crisis.
