The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) said today (the 27th) that the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 2026 declared the Ebola virus infection outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The situation has developed rapidly in recent days and is becoming increasingly severe. In addition to Ituri Province in the DRC being a hotspot, the country's North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda have also successively reported cases, indicating a trend of spread. As of May 24, the DRC has recorded a cumulative 112 confirmed cases (including 11 deaths) and 906 suspected cases (including 223 suspected deaths), and one U.S. citizen was diagnosed after exposure to the virus at a local medical facility. In addition, Uganda has reported 7 confirmed cases (including 1 death), all highly related to the DRC outbreak.
The CDC pointed out that to reduce the risk of Ebola importation, starting today our country is strengthening cross‑agency border security cooperation, enhancing port monitoring and inspection mechanisms. For inbound travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, quarantine personnel will intensify TOCC (Travel, Occupation, Contact, and Cluster history) and health assessments. All travelers must cooperate with a 21‑day self‑health management program after arrival; those assessed on site as having a suspected Ebola infection risk will be immediately transferred for medical care by ambulance to a contracted hospital, with coordination of local health unit prevention and control efforts.
The CDC explained that the Ebola outbreak is in a rapidly rising peak, and the actual case‑fatality rate is likely far higher than the official published figures. This outbreak occurs in a complex environment where security threats and humanitarian challenges intertwine; there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this virus, and the local political instability and high population mobility further complicate control efforts. WHO estimates that the true scale of infection is likely far greater than the reported numbers, rating the risk level for the DRC as “Very High,” for Uganda and surrounding areas as “High,” and the global risk as “Low.”
The CDC assesses that the outbreak remains concentrated in the two countries, so the overall risk to our nation is still low. However, considering international personnel movement and the ease of global travel, the possibility of imported cases cannot be completely ruled out. Because the number of cases in the DRC continues to rise and community clusters have emerged, and Uganda has also seen locally transmitted cases stemming from importation, the outbreak is difficult to control and poses a continuing transmission risk. To protect public health, today the travel advisory level for the DRC and Uganda is upgraded from Level 2 “Alert” to Level 3 “Warning,” and the public is urged to avoid all non‑essential travel to those areas.
The CDC stated that to strengthen border quarantine, in addition to enhanced publicity through airport multimedia electronic boards, scrolling tickers, and display placards, starting today all international flights arriving in Taiwan will broadcast announcements on board, urging passengers who have traveled to the DRC or Uganda within the past 21 days to proactively report to a quarantine station upon arrival, where quarantine personnel will conduct TOCC and health assessments, and to comply with the following quarantine measures:
1. Travelers assessed as having suspected Ebola symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bleeding, etc.) will be immediately transported by ambulance to a contracted hospital for examination, with coordination of local health unit prevention and control.
2. Asymptomatic travelers will be issued a “Self‑Health Management Advisory for Incoming Travelers with Travel History to Ebola‑Affected Areas.” After entry, they must comply with a 21‑day self‑health management program, keep their phone reachable for health‑authority follow‑up, measure their temperature twice daily (morning and evening), and report their health status through the “Public Self‑Reporting E‑System.” If any of the above symptoms appear, they should immediately call the epidemic prevention hotline 1922 for assistance from the health bureau. Failure to comply with these measures will be penalized under the Communicable Disease Control Act.
The CDC again urges the public, if not essential, to avoid traveling to Ebola‑affected areas. If travel is necessary, individuals should continuously monitor their health, practice personal protection measures such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask when coughing, and avoid contact with or consumption of wild animals. During the return entry or the 21‑day self‑health management period, if any of the aforementioned suspected Ebola symptoms appear, they must promptly inform quarantine personnel or call the epidemic prevention hotline 1922 for assistance from health authorities.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Gankuan Room
