Current Ebola Outbreak In DRC Designated Public Health Emergency Of International Concern

The World Health Organization has declared the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern. Although this outbreak is centered in central and east Africa, health care organizations should remain alert and note this specific outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain. This strain is genetically distinct from others, and currently, there are no approved vaccines or targeted treatments available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing situational awareness updates. The federal government, through a Title 42 Order, has implemented enhanced travel screenings and entry precautions at domestic airports and certain entry restrictions for non-U.S. passport holders as a precautionary measure to manage potential cross-border transmission. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in the United States, and the overall risk to the public remains very low.

Health care entities are encouraged to continue maintaining the “Identify, Isolate and Inform” strategy, including asking travel questions, as an essential strategy for patient management and care. The Missouri Hospital Association updated its website and will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as additional information becomes available.