Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ministries of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda are responding to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in remote regions of both countries.
As of May 24, the DRC reported 904 suspected cases, 101 confirmed cases, 119 suspected deaths, and 10 confirmed deaths. Uganda has reported 5 confirmed cases and 1 confirmed death. A newly confirmed case was identified in Sud-Kivu province, expanding beyond prior cases in Ituri and Nord-Kivu provinces. On May 23, Uganda announced three additional cases linked to previously reported individuals who had traveled from the DRC. The situation is rapidly changing, and case numbers may be updated.
On May 17, a US citizen exposed to the Bundibugyo virus during medical care in the DRC tested positive and was transferred to Germany for treatment, where there is established experience managing Ebola patients. High-risk contacts from this exposure were also transferred to Germany and the Czech Republic for monitoring.
In response, on May 18, the CDC, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies implemented proactive measures to prevent Ebola’s introduction into the United States. Passengers arriving from the DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda are being redirected to Washington-Dulles International Airport or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for monitoring.
Currently, no Ebola cases linked to this outbreak have been confirmed in the United States. The CDC states the overall risk for travelers and the US public remains low.