CDC Updates on Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda and MV Hondius Hantavirus Cases

Ebola Response and International Patient Transfers

The confirmed Ebola patient was in transit to Germany for specialized care on May 19, 2026, according to Captain Satish K. Pillai, Incident Manager for the CDC’s Ebola Response. Six additional individuals identified as high-risk contacts are scheduled for imminent medical transit to Europe. Dr. Pillai thanked the ministers of health in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, alongside German partners, for facilitating the movement.

Genetic fingerprinting analyzed by the CDC shows that the virus strain is similar to fingerprints from outbreaks recorded in 2007 and 2012. This genetic similarity confirms that current laboratory diagnostics successfully detect the active strain.

Domestic Travel Restrictions and Clinical Guidance

In response to the spread, the CDC issued an immediate entry suspension order targeting individuals who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The agency also elevated its travel health notice for the Democratic Republic of Congo to Level 3, advising against all non-essential travel to the Ituri and North Kivu provinces.

Domestically, the agency released a Health Alert Network notification to inform frontline medical providers. The CDC is providing clinical guidance, infection prevention protocols, and patient isolation procedures for hospitals evaluating suspect cases. Testing is coordinated through state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments, utilizing the CDC’s 24/7 laboratory response network.

On-the-Ground Operations in Central Africa

Globally, the CDC is deploying resources directly through country offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. According to statements provided by Dr. Pillai, the U.S. government maintains long-standing partnerships in the region, including country offices staffed by approximately 30 personnel in the Democratic Republic of Congo and nearly 100 personnel in Uganda.

Field teams are providing technical assistance for disease tracking, contact tracing, viral sequencing, and border screening. Staff are also distributing personal protective equipment and supporting infection control measures alongside local ministries of health and international partners. The CDC formally activated an emergency response structure at its headquarters two days prior to the briefing, onboarding dozens of additional personnel.

Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to the M/V Hondius

In addition to the Ebola response, the CDC provided updates on an ongoing hantavirus outbreak associated with the M/V Hondius cruise ship. Dr. David Fitter, Incident Manager for the CDC’s Hantavirus Response, stated that there are no confirmed hantavirus cases among passengers who have returned to the United States.

Public health authorities consider the overall risk to the domestic population to be low. The CDC continues to collaborate with state and local health departments to monitor U.S. residents connected to the cruise ship incident, prioritizing community health and safety.