Ebola: What to Do After Travel

For Everyone

June 5, 2026

CDC is responding to an outbreak of Ebola disease in areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
CDC is assessing travelers into the United States who have recently been in DRC or Uganda, as well as neighboring South Sudan, for symptoms of and possible exposure to Ebola.
CDC will provide travelers' information to their health departments for public health follow-up.
People who traveled to the United States from one of these countries should watch their health for 21 days after they left and take steps if they get sick.

Overview

Current outbreak

CDC is monitoring an outbreak of Ebola disease in areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

CDC is assessing travelers into the United States who have recently been in DRC or Uganda, as well as neighboring South Sudan, for symptoms of and possible exposure to Ebola. The full scope of the outbreak is rapidly evolving.

Keep Reading Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation

About Ebola

Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids (saliva, semen, sweat, feces, vomit, and others) of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola disease. You can also get Ebola disease from contact with certain wild animals or their body fluids. Ebola virus can be spread by bats, nonhuman primates, and forest antelopes.

Current areas of concern for the outbreak

DRC: Whole country

Uganda: Whole country

What to do after travel

Steps to take

If you have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan
Watch your health for 21 days after you left the country.
If you were in an area of concern (all of DRC or Uganda)
Take your temperature every day and again if you feel sick.
If you were in one of these countries but NOT in the area of concern
Take your temperature if you feel sick.

Symptoms to watch for

Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or feeling feverish
Headache or body aches
Rash
Weakness or tiredness
Sore throat
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness)

Follow instructions from public health authorities

Your health department will follow up with you during the 21 days after you left the affected country. This follow-up is determined by whether you were in an area of concern during the previous 21 days and what you did there. Public health authorities may provide additional instructions for some travelers.

Keep in mind

While you are being monitored in the United States, if you plan to travel domestically or internationally, tell your health department before you travel.

CDC recommends that you remain in the United States and avoid international travel (including cruise travel) during the 21-day monitoring period. For more information visit Ebola and Bundibugyo Virus Frequently Asked Questions.

What to do if you get sick

If you develop signs or symptoms of Ebola disease:

Separate yourself from others (isolate).
Call your local health department for advice about medical care. Tell the health department about your recent travel from a country with an Ebola outbreak and what your symptoms are so they can identify the best healthcare facility for you to go to, if needed. The health department can help the facility prepare to provide care for you and take any precautions needed. Follow all their instructions.
Do not travel while sick. Travel only when you have been cleared by a doctor or health official.

If you can't reach your health department right away and you need urgent medical care

Call a healthcare provider. Tell them your symptoms and that you were recently in a country with an Ebola outbreak. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting the health department and take any precautions needed.