Ebola Outbreak: Democratic Republic of the Congo

An Ebola virus outbreak in a remote part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has infected hundreds of people, claimed over 100 lives and sparked an international health emergency.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17, 2026.

Americares is responding, working with local organizations on the frontlines.

“Thousands of lives are at risk,” said Americares Chief Medical Officer and infectious disease specialist Dr. Julie Varughese. “Ebola is a serious and highly infectious disease that can spread rapidly, particularly in communities where health systems are already under strain. Americares is supporting local partners working to contain the outbreak and save lives.”

The outbreak

This Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine. International spread and high-positivity rate could indicate a larger outbreak. The situation is further complicated by:

• Active conflict in the region
• Poor road infrastructure
• Movement of people

Health care workers are among those who have died, increasing worries that the virus could spread within health facilities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that an American working in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola. 

Our response

We’re focusing our response on preventing infections through community-level education, personal protective equipment (PPE) and access to safe water in the affected areas – all of which are critical for stopping the spread of the virus.

Americares is supporting partner organizations in the most affected areas. They’ll be:

• Distributing personal protective equipment (PPE), including 800 PPE kits to high-risk schools and churches
• Rehabilitating community water sources for about 1,000 households
• Training hundreds of community leaders and health providers on preventing infection and referring patients for care
• Installing handwashing facilities
• Conducting additional screenings at strategic entry points
• Increasing targeted community health education
• Strengthening triage and infection, prevention and control measures 

Together, these efforts are expected to benefit more than 63,000 people.

Americares is coordinating its response efforts with the WHO and the United Nations’ global logistics and health clusters to support frontline health workers and help contain the spread of the virus.

Americares has a long history of responding to Ebola outbreaks, including the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic. It killed more than 11,000 people — the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. Our approach centers on working through trusted partners to strengthen local health systems in affected communities, including:

• Programs aimed at preventing the spread of the disease
• Public health education activities
• Training for health workers and community leaders