The Centers for Disease Control (hereinafter referred to as CDC) said today (the 17th) that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced on May 17, 2026 that the Ebola virus infection outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), indicating that this outbreak carries cross‑border spread risk and international public health significance.
According to the latest WHO information, the outbreak is currently mainly occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and cross‑border transmission to Uganda has been observed. WHO notes that this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which there is currently no treatment or vaccine, and some cases have reached urban areas, posing a high challenge for epidemic control. WHO currently assesses the regional risk as “high” and the global risk as “low”.
The CDC said that based on WHO and other international information for risk assessment, the travel advisory level for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been adjusted from Level 1 “Watch” to Level 2 “Alert”.
The CDC noted that after assessment, the overall threat risk of this wave of the outbreak to our country remains low; however, considering international personnel movement and global travel convenience, the possibility of imported cases cannot be completely ruled out, so border monitoring, medical reporting, and epidemic preparedness will continue to be strengthened.
The CDC reminds the public that if traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or surrounding affected areas, enhanced protective measures should be taken. The CDC states that the Ebola virus incubation period can be up to 21 days; after returning, individuals should self‑monitor health for 21 days. If symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding appear, they should wear a mask and seek medical care promptly, informing the provider of travel and exposure history; if necessary, they may call the 1922 epidemic prevention hotline, where the CDC’s regional control center, in coordination with the local health bureau, will assist with subsequent medical care and epidemic response.
The CDC emphasizes that it will continue to closely monitor WHO and other countries’ epidemic information, and adjust prevention measures in a timely manner to safeguard the health and safety of the public.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Compiled by: Surveillance Office
