Ebola Disease Frequently Asked Questions

Ebola disease is caused by an infection with one of several orthoebolaviruses, which are mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa. There are 4 types of orthoebolaviruses that cause illness in people. Ebola disease was first identified in 1976 after an outbreak in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, these viruses have periodically emerged from an unknown animal host and infected people in several African countries.

CDC has responded to Ebola disease outbreaks for decades, most notably during the 2014-2016 West African Epidemic that caused nearly 29,000 cases. CDC provides technical expertise in surveillance, case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and laboratory testing, to impacted countries during an Ebola outbreak.

There are currently no cases of Ebola in the United States and the risk of this outbreak spreading to United States is low at this time. The viruses that cause Ebola disease pose little risk to travelers or the American public.

Healthcare providers and family members caring for someone with Ebola disease without proper infection control methods have the highest risk of infection.

Symptoms of Ebola disease may appear 2 to 21 days after contact with the virus. On average, people begin showing symptoms 8 to 10 days after exposure. People with Ebola disease may experience "dry" symptoms early in the course of illness. These symptoms may include fever, aches, pains, and fatigue. As the person becomes sicker, the illness typically progresses to "wet" symptoms and may include diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.

Death rates vary from about 25-90% depending on the type of orthoebolavirus and if supportive care is available. Bundibugyo virus disease has a death rate of 25-50%.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood testing is used to diagnose Ebola disease in people who are alive. Testing can also be donne for orthoebolavirus antibodies to see if a patient recently had Ebola disease.

Healthcare providers who suspect Ebola must isolate the patient, notify public health authorities, and conduct testing.

There are two FDA-approved treatments for Ebola disease caused by the Orthoebolavirus zairense species. The other orthoebolaviruses, including the Bundibugyo virus, have no approved treatments. People have a much better chance of surviving if they receive supportive care early like fluids; medicines for their symptoms like high blood pressure, fever, and vomiting and diarrhea; and treatment for other infections if they occur while sick with Ebola disease.

People in the United States and travelers have a very low risk of getting infected with Ebola. Healthcare workers or people caring for others with Ebola disease without proper infection control methods have the highest risk of infection. If you're living in or traveling to areas where the viruses that cause Ebola disease occur, you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Avoid contact with body fluids from people and animals
• Wear protective equipment if you come in contact with people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and body fluids, or objects covered with their blood or body fluids

The FDA-approved vaccine to prevent one type of Ebola disease (species Orthoebolavirus zairense) is not considered effective for the spring 2026 outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus (Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense).

Yes. People can get Ebola disease through contact with the body fluids of an infected sick or dead person.

This outbreak is happening in remote areas of the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Uganda confirmed 2 unrelated cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in people traveling from DRC. To date, no local spread has been reported in Uganda.

As of May 16, a total of 8 cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing. There are reports of 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths in DRC and 2 cases including 1 death in Uganda. These numbers are likely to change as the outbreak evolves.

This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus (species Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense), one of 4 types of orthoebolavirus that causes Ebola disease in people. This is the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. The Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus was first identified in Uganda in 2007 and has historically been associated with lower case fatality rates than Ebola virus disease, though severe disease and deaths can still occur. Bundibugyo virus disease historically has a death rate of 25-50%.

• Through our country offices in DRC and Uganda, CDC is providing technical assistance with surveillance and contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures, coordination with affected countries and international public health partners, and assisting with risk communication and community engagement.
• CDC is working with international partners and the Ministries of Health on this evolving situation.
• CDC has travel health notices in place for DRC and Uganda to help Americans planning travel to either country in the near future learn how to keep themselves safe from Ebola.
• CDC has extensive clinical guidance and training for both U.S. and non-U.S. settings, including Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients in U.S. Hospitals who are Suspected or Confirmed to have Selected Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers.
• CDC is also coordinating with health departments nationwide to:
  • Follow established patient assessment protocols if BVD is suspected in a patient with concerning clinical and epidemiologic history.
  • Coordinate patient management, specimen collection, and BVD testing with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments, CDC, and clinical teams.
• CDC is also supporting U.S. Government interagency efforts to coordinate the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans who are directly affected in outbreak areas.
• Long-standing laboratory preparedness efforts are online for suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola to allow for testing directly at CDC or through one of 35 Laboratory Response Network public health laboratories.