Six Americans Exposed to Ebola as WHO Declares Emergency
At least six Americans were exposed in Congo's Ituri province, with three in high-risk contact and one symptomatic, as the WHO declared a public health emergency following around 80 suspected deaths.
May 18th 2026 · DR Congo
At least six Americans were exposed to the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with three facing high-risk contact and one showing symptoms, sources with international aid organizations told CBS News. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern" this week as at least 80 suspected deaths have been reported. The CDC confirmed it is supporting interagency partners coordinating the safe withdrawal of directly affected Americans and has activated its emergency response center for the outbreak. The agency stated that the risk to the American public remains low while issuing travel advisories urging Americans in Congo and Uganda to practice enhanced precautions and avoid contact with symptomatic individuals. The latest outbreak is occurring in eastern Congo's Ituri province. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in Congo since 1976, with one of the most devastating outbreaks between 2014 and 2016 killing more than 11,000 people. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons and does not transmit through casual contact or air. The CDC plans to deploy additional personnel to its offices in both Congo and Uganda as the international response continues.