A U.S. citizen working as a humanitarian aid worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Friday, July 11, 2026. The individual has been evacuated to Germany for treatment.
The CDC is collaborating with the patient’s employer, other federal agencies, and partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent further transmission and identify high-risk contacts. Efforts are underway to trace individuals who may have been in close proximity to the patient and are considered at high risk of infection.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been grappling with a significant Ebola outbreak, which was officially declared on May 15, 2026. As of July 8, 2026, the country had recorded 1,759 confirmed cases and 600 deaths, according to government data. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo variant, has also spread to neighboring Uganda, where 20 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, 2026. Reports indicate that the virus is spreading faster than response efforts can contain it, with a significant number of new infections not linked to known contact lists. Estimates suggest the actual number of cases could be two to four times higher than confirmed figures.
The current outbreak is considered the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record and is already the third-largest on record. Experts attribute the rapid spread to several factors, including ongoing conflict, reduced aid, and attacks on healthcare workers and treatment centers. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has no approved treatment or vaccine, further complicating containment efforts.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is further exacerbated by existing vulnerabilities fueled by years of conflict and displacement. UNICEF estimates that approximately 3 million children and adolescents are at risk due to the outbreak and disruptions in essential social services. The organization is involved in outreach, infection prevention, community engagement, and supporting treatment centers, but stresses the urgent need for increased donor support.
The U.S. has implemented measures to mitigate the risk of further transmission, including enhanced screening for returning U.S. citizens and pausing visa services at its embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. While there are no suspected or confirmed cases within the United States, the CDC has announced entry restrictions for non-citizens and green card holders from affected countries.
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