⚠ ACTIVE OUTBREAK ALERT: A major outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus is currently underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. On 17 May 2026, the WHO declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This article has been updated to reflect the current situation as of June 2026.
An uncontrolled outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus is currently underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) — primarily in Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu provinces — with confirmed cases also reported in Uganda. It is timely to provide an update on any client’s or organisation’s approach to managing staff health and well-being and asset integrity. This information provides a summary of the status and an overview of any client’s and organisation’s approach to managing the threat. International SOS maintains close contact with the WHO and relevant Government Health Departments to ensure that the impact of this information contributes to the advice provided on the website.
What is Ebola?
Ebola disease (EBOD) is caused by ebolaviruses — a group of viruses of which there are six known species. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), a rarer strain for which no approved vaccines or specific treatments currently exist. The Ebola virus is contained in the blood and body fluids of infected people (vomit, diarrhoea, urine, nasal secretions, sweat, ejaculate). These fluids are contagious. If someone has contact with an infected person’s body fluids, they can get Ebola. Unlike many viruses, such as influenza, the Ebola virus is not transmitted by air or by casual contact, which means that unless you are caring for a sick or deceased person, you are most unlikely to become infected.
Note: While approved vaccines (Ervebo®, Zabdeno/Mvabea®) and treatments (Inmazeb, Ebanga) exist for Ebola caused by the Zaire virus strain, these do not apply to the Bundibugyo strain driving the current outbreak. Clinical trials are underway to advance candidate therapeutics and vaccines for Bundibugyo virus disease.
Prevention of Ebola Virus Disease
Prevention is covered in great detail on the Ebola website but essentially, keep away from sick people and do not touch their bodily fluids or objects contaminated with their fluids. Pay strict attention to hygiene. Wash your hands often. The following precautions are particularly important given the absence of a licensed vaccine for the current Bundibugyo strain:
- Avoid contact with blood or body fluids of any person, particularly someone who is sick or who has died
- Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids
- Avoid funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body of someone who died from suspected Ebola
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhoea after travel to an affected area
Impact on Company’s Operations
Even if your company does not operate in the countries most severely affected by the current outbreak (DRC, Uganda), a number of surrounding countries are considered at high risk. As of May 2026, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention identified 10 countries with land borders adjoining areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detections as being at high risk. Some countries are adopting defensive border control measures.
The risk associated with staff deployment to non-affected countries in the region is generally perceived to be low. However, staff may be inconvenienced by border controls and should plan accordingly. Ongoing insecurity and a humanitarian crisis in parts of DRC (particularly Ituri province) further complicate response operations and should be factored into travel and deployment planning.
Limitations on Movement
Limitations on the movement of ill persons across borders as a result of control measures can affect medical management of non-Ebola illness including malaria, which may present with similar symptoms. For this reason, our standard travel health precautions should be emphasised and staff should not travel when ill.
Staff Arriving from Affected Countries
A common specific concern is the risk to other staff and family members from an individual returning from an affected area. Such staff are likely to have undergone port-of-exit screening prior to departing, will not be infectious unless they are visibly unwell (in which case they will not be at work) and, as noted above, contact with bodily fluids from an infected individual is required for transmission. We are continuously monitoring the situation and, should the outbreak spread into countries where we operate, we shall provide further direct advice targeted to specific assets as necessary.
Specific Travel Advice
Border Closures and Airline Suspensions
A number of commercial airlines have suspended or reduced flights into and out of affected countries. Travellers should check with their airline before travel.
Border Control Measures
Many countries have implemented temperature screening and enhanced health checks of inbound passengers, particularly for flights arriving from DRC and Uganda. Cross-border screening is also being conducted at main internal road crossings in the DRC.
Current Travel Advice
The situation is dynamic and evolving rapidly. Current guidance (as of June 2026):
- Travellers are strongly advised to defer non-essential travel to Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu provinces in the DRC.
- Travellers to DRC or Uganda should take precautions to avoid Ebola exposure and monitor for symptoms for 21 days after leaving.
- WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, the DRC or Uganda based on currently available information — but emphasises strict precautionary measures.
- Anyone who is sick is advised not to travel.
Current Outbreak Summary (June 2026)
As of mid-June 2026, the DRC’s Ministry of Health has reported more than 1,000 confirmed cases in Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu provinces, making this the second largest Ebola outbreak on record. Uganda has confirmed 19 cases, including imported cases from DRC. The WHO has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain; outbreak response relies on isolation, contact tracing, supportive care, safe burials, and community engagement.
Disclaimer: This information has been developed for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Should you have questions or concerns about any topic described here, please consult your health-care professional.
Our appreciation to the Coordinating Doctors of International SOS, an AEA Company who have contributed this article in response to a health threat faced by expatriates in Indonesia.
