Exit screening in the countries affected by the outbreak is crucial to reduce risk by identifying symptomatic travellers and stopping those with symptoms from travelling. As this cannot fully prevent new cases because the onset of the disease may begin after travellers have arrived at their destination, it is important that travellers returning from affected areas are informed about the disease and seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop, as well as informing their healthcare provider about their travel history and potential exposure.
While uncertainties remain over the scale of transmission, ECDC assesses the likelihood of infection for anyone from the European Union or European Economic Area (EU/EEA) living in or travelling to affected areas as low, provided they follow the recommended precautionary measures listed in today’s assessment. ECDC underlines that transmission requires direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of dead or living infected people or animals. The likelihood of transmission within the EU/EEA is also considered very low, as imported cases are likely to be rapidly identified and isolated, and appropriate infection prevention and control measures implemented immediately.
For now, EU/EEA countries are advised to strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities, including the isolation and management of suspected and confirmed cases, contact tracing, testing capacity, and infection prevention and control measures.
Almost 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths have been reported in DRC as of 20 May 2026. Most cases were reported in Ituri Province, as well as one case in Goma, North Kivu Province. Uganda has so far reported two imported cases from people arriving from DRC. The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available.
ECDC continues to monitor the situation, and will provide epidemiological updates, situational awareness and risk assessments for the duration of the current Ebola disease outbreak. The Centre is also supporting preparedness and response activities across the EU/EEA through risk assessment, laboratory support, and coordination with the European Commission, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international partners. The Centre has also activated the EU Health Task Force.