Situation summary
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola in the Ituri Province in northeastern DRC. Bundibugyo virus, one virus in the group of viruses called orthoebolaviruses, is causing this outbreak.
A case of Ebola disease was identified in Goma, a large city in DRC several hundred miles from Ituri province, raising concern for a larger outbreak. In neighboring Uganda, health authorities confirmed 2 cases of Ebola in people who had traveled from DRC.
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. A complex international response is underway to investigate the scope of the outbreak and implement treatment and control measures.
To date, no cases of Ebola related to this outbreak have been confirmed in the United States.
Actions requested
- Contact us immediately at (253) 649-1412 if you suspect Ebola disease or have questions about returning travelers.
- Testing for Ebola, including the Bundibugyo virus, can be performed at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. We can assist with arranging testing if needed.
- Consult travel advisory pages from the CDC and State Department for current travel recommendations and restrictions.
Please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Health Advisory for more information. We are monitoring this situation and will share updates and additional guidance if needed.