Ebola Outbreak in the DRC: Current Situation

What to know

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (Ebola) caused by Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense) in Kasai Province.
  • The Kasai province is a remote area with limited transportation networks. This may lower the risk of the outbreak spreading to other areas but also makes it challenging for responders to reach due to impassable roads and natural barriers.
  • Ebola is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that can cause serious illness and death.
  • Currently, there are no cases of Ebola reported outside of the DRC, and the risk of infection with this virus in the United States is low.

Current situation

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • On September 4, 2025, the DRC Ministry of Public Health officially declared an outbreak of Ebola in Bulape (Boulapé in French) and Mweka health zones in Kasai Province.
  • This is the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was discovered there in 1976.
  • As of September 14, 2025, there are 54 people with suspected or confirmed Ebola and 27 deaths, including four health workers. CDC expects frequent changes to these case counts.

In the United States

  • There have been no reported cases of Ebola in the United States related to this outbreak.

What CDC is doing

  • CDC established an office in the DRC in 2002. In the DRC, CDC works closely with the government and partner organizations to rapidly detect and control infectious disease outbreaks while strengthening the country's early outbreak detection and response capabilities.
  • CDC posted a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for the DRC, recommending people practice usual precautions if traveling to the DRC.
  • CDC is prepared to deploy subject matter experts to assist with the country's investigation and response to this outbreak, as needed.
  • In Africa, CDC continues to engage with public health partners and other U.S. government agencies.

CDC and in-country partners across Africa work together on disease strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, strengthening workforce capacity, case investigation, case management, infection prevention and control, border health systems, and planning.

Resources

For the public

For clinicians, public health partners, and laboratory staff

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)