At least six Americans have been exposed to a dangerous strain of Ebola virus while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now working to coordinate their safe withdrawal from the outbreak area. Sources with international aid organizations told CBS News that three of the individuals faced high-risk exposure or contact, and one is currently symptomatic. It remains unclear whether the Americans are still in Congo or have already begun the process of leaving the country.
The CDC issued a statement on Sunday confirming its efforts to manage the situation. "The overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low," the agency said, while noting that no cases of the illness have spread to the United States. Officials added that the CDC has placed travel health notices for both Congo and Uganda to assist Americans planning trips to the region and has directed its offices in those nations to support global response efforts.
The World Health Organization has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after a surge in cases across Congo and into Uganda. As of Sunday, reports indicate 10 confirmed cases and 336 suspected cases of this specific strain, including 88 deaths. There are also two confirmed cases in Uganda, including one death, involving individuals who traveled from the DRC, according to the CDC.
Health authorities have highlighted significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infected persons and the geographic spread of the virus. The WHO noted a limited understanding of the epidemiological links between victims, with data pointing toward a potentially much larger outbreak than what is currently being detected and reported. Four healthcare worker deaths have been recorded amid unusual clusters of community deaths described as an extraordinary threat.
Bundibugyo Ebola virus carries a death rate ranging from 25 to 50 percent and produces hallmark symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting, severe weakness, abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and vomiting blood. There is no vaccine available for this strain, and treatment is limited to supportive care. The current outbreak has spread from central Africa into major urban capitals, raising concerns among international aid groups.
The CDC emphasized that it is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with partners on the ground. It is not yet known whether the exposed Americans will be brought back to the United States for quarantine or isolated in another region for monitoring. Officials said the agency continues to support global efforts to contain the spread while reassuring the public that the overall risk remains low.
Earlier reports from the region described the rapid progression of cases in affected communities. Aid workers noted that the virus has affected both rural and urban areas, complicating containment measures. The WHO has urged heightened vigilance in neighboring countries to prevent further cross-border transmission.
Local health officials in Congo have been working to trace contacts of confirmed cases, though challenges remain due to limited resources and infrastructure. The two cases reported in Uganda involved travelers who had recently been in the DRC, prompting immediate isolation and investigation by Ugandan authorities.
International organizations have deployed additional personnel to assist with surveillance and response activities. The CDC has ordered its field offices to provide technical support as part of the broader effort to manage the outbreak. Travelers are advised to consult the latest health notices before planning any trips to the affected areas.
Experts have pointed out that the Bundibugyo strain differs from other Ebola variants in its transmission patterns and fatality rates. Supportive care remains the primary approach, focusing on hydration, symptom management, and preventing secondary infections. No specific antiviral treatments have been approved for this particular strain at this time.
Health ministries in both Congo and Uganda have issued public alerts encouraging residents to report any symptoms promptly. Community education campaigns are underway to promote safe burial practices and reduce contact with potentially infected individuals. The situation continues to evolve as more data becomes available from field investigations.
The CDC statement underscored ongoing collaboration with the WHO and other partners to monitor developments. Officials said they will provide updates as new information emerges regarding the Americans exposed in the outbreak zone. The agency reiterated that no domestic cases have been identified in the United States.