Ebola Outbreak in DRC Claims 100 Lives, Six Americans Exposed
At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 suspected cases, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention told the BBC. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak an international emergency. The current strain is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved drugs or vaccines exist.
Uganda has recorded two confirmed cases and one death, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. At least six Americans have been exposed to the virus in DRC. One American is believed to have symptoms, while three others had high-risk contact. It remains unclear if any have been infected.
The CDC said it supports the safe withdrawal of a small number of directly affected Americans but did not confirm the exact number. The U.S. government is reportedly arranging transport for the group to a safe quarantine location, a source told STAT. In an update, the CDC said the risk to the U.S. is relatively low but measures will be introduced to prevent the disease's entry.
Nigeria on Alert
The Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria, raised concerns over the outbreak in DRC and Uganda, warning of cross-border transmission risks. In a statement by Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe and Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the academy called for intensified national surveillance and preparedness. As of May 16, 2026, the outbreak had eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in DRC, plus two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda.
Ebola is a severe, often fatal viral haemorrhagic disease with past case fatality rates of 25 to 90 percent. The statement noted that outbreaks highlight the vulnerability of all nations to transboundary infectious diseases. Transmission occurs through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, infected animals, and deceased victims during burial rites.
The academy emphasized that Nigeria's successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak showed the effectiveness of a coordinated response but warned against complacency. It urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, to strengthen border surveillance at international airports, seaports, and land crossings. Recommendations include enhanced screening of travellers from affected countries, risk-based movement controls, and improved diagnostic capacity for early detection.
