RismadarVoice Reporters
May 18, 2026
A United States citizen has tested positive for Ebola after being exposed during work activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health officials said the individual developed symptoms over the weekend and later tested positive on Sunday as authorities intensified efforts to contain potential spread linked to the ongoing outbreak in Central Africa.
According to the CDC, the infected individual is being transferred to Germany for specialised treatment and care through coordinated efforts involving U.S. health authorities and the Department of State.
Officials also disclosed that six additional Americans identified as high-risk contacts are being moved for observation and monitoring measures.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a less common variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
In response to the situation, the CDC announced new travel restrictions affecting non-U.S. passport holders who have visited Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the last 21 days.
Despite the development, health authorities maintained that the current threat level to the United States remains low.
The agency advised travellers heading to affected regions to avoid contact with sick individuals, monitor for symptoms, and comply with health and travel guidelines.
The World Health Organisation recently declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following a rise in cases across the region.
Current figures indicate that more than 330 suspected infections and at least 88 suspected deaths have been reported, with most cases recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and additional cases identified in Uganda.
Health authorities continue surveillance and containment efforts as international agencies monitor the evolving outbreak.
