CDC ALERT
CDC May 21 update: 626 total Bundibugyo cases (51 confirmed + 575 suspected), 148 deaths — case count revised from 675
CDC situation report updated May 21, 2026: 51 confirmed + 575 suspected cases = 626 total; 148 suspected deaths (CFR ~24%). Revised down from the May 20 count of 675 as suspected cases were reclassified. Uganda: 2 confirmed cases, 1 death — no further spread reported. Outbreak remains active across 11 health zones in Ituri and Nord-Kivu Provinces, DRC. Risk to general US public remains low.
ReliefWeb UPDATE
DR Congo: Appui à la lutte contre Ebola : la MONUSCO mobilise sa logistique aérienne, près de 30 tonnes d’équipements déjà acheminées vers Bunia
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Depuis la déclaration officielle de la 17ᵉ épidémie d’Ebola en République démocratique du Congo, le samedi 16 mai 2026, la riposte s’intensifie dans la
ReliefWeb UPDATE
DR Congo: Ebola response support: MONUSCO airlifts nearly 30 tons of equipment to Bunia
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Following the official declaration of the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 16, 2026, response efforts have intensified
ReliefWeb UPDATE
Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease Outbreak: Democratic Republic of the Congo | Uganda, Weekly External Situation Report 01 (Data as of 18 May 2026)
Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda Source: World Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. Event description On 5 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) received an alert regarding an unknown illness with high mortality in Mongbwalu Health Zon
ReliefWeb UPDATE
DR Congo: UK steps up support to stop spread of Ebola in eastern DRC
Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Source: Government of the United Kingdom The UK has announced up to £20 million to support communities affected by the deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Con
CDC ALERT
CDC reports 675 total Bundibugyo cases across 11 health zones in two DRC provinces
CDC situation update (May 20): 34 confirmed + 105 probable + 536 suspected cases of Bundibugyo ebolavirus; 134 suspected deaths. Outbreak now spans 11 health zones in both Ituri Province and Nord-Kivu Province, DRC. In the preceding 24-48 hours, 26 new confirmed and 143 new suspected cases were identified. This is DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak.
CDC UPDATE
Bundibugyo outbreak spreads to Nord-Kivu; index cluster traced to healthcare workers at Bunia hospital
CDC background update: The outbreak originated at a hospital in Bunia Health Zone, Ituri Province, DRC, where a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers was identified in early May. By May 15, 8 of 13 samples tested positive for Bundibugyo virus. Most DRC cases are in people aged 20-39; two-thirds are female patients. The outbreak has since expanded to Nord-Kivu Province.
CDC ALERT
Uganda confirms 2 Bundibugyo Ebola cases — both travelers from DRC
CDC and Uganda Ministry of Health confirm 2 laboratory-confirmed Bundibugyo ebolavirus cases in Uganda, including 1 death. Both cases are people who traveled from DRC. Uganda Ministry of Health has issued a Level 1 travel notice. Cross-border contact tracing underway.
CDC ALERT
US implements Title 42 entry restrictions — non-US nationals barred from entry if in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days
On May 18, CDC and DHS activated a Title 42 Order suspending entry of non-US passport holders who have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. Enhanced screening at US ports of entry is in effect for all travellers from the three countries. CDC issues Level 3 (Reconsider Nonessential Travel) notice for DRC.
CDC ALERT
American healthcare worker evacuated to Germany after testing positive for Bundibugyo Ebola
On May 17, a US national caring for Ebola patients in DRC tested positive for Bundibugyo ebolavirus and was medically evacuated to Germany for treatment. High-risk contacts associated with the exposure are also being transferred to Germany and Czechia. No additional US cases have been reported. CDC coordinates with interagency partners to support safe evacuation.
WHO ALERT
DRC confirms Bundibugyo index cluster in Ituri Province — 15 cases
DRC Ministry of Health confirms 15 cases of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in Ituri Province, near the border with Uganda. Four deaths confirmed. The index case had exposure in border forest areas in late April. Samples confirmed by INRB laboratory, Kinshasa.
WHO ALERT
WHO confirms Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak spanning DRC and Uganda
WHO Disease Outbreak News (16 May 2026): Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus confirmed in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This marks the first cross-border Bundibugyo ebolavirus event since the strain was identified in 2007. Joint response teams are being deployed.
WHO ALERT
WHO deploys rapid response team to DRC as 2026 Ebola cases rise
WHO has deployed an emergency response team to eastern DRC following a confirmed rise in Ebola cases. Ring vaccination with rVSV-ZEBOV has begun for contacts of the ongoing North Kivu Zaire strain outbreak.
Africa CDC ALERT
Africa CDC activates Emergency Operations Center for DRC Ebola response
Africa CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the continental response to the ongoing Ebola outbreaks in DRC. The center is now coordinating response for both the North Kivu Zaire strain outbreak and newly identified Bundibugyo cluster.
ProMED ALERT
DRC confirms new Ebola case in Bunia, Ituri Province
The DRC Ministry of Health has confirmed a new Ebola case in Bunia, Ituri Province, indicating the outbreak has spread beyond its initial health zone. Laboratory typing pending — may be linked to the newly confirmed Bundibugyo cluster.
Africa CDC UPDATE
Ring vaccination reaches 847 contacts in eastern DRC
Ring vaccination with rVSV-ZEBOV has reached 847 contacts and contacts-of-contacts in eastern DRC, covering 91% of identified high-risk individuals.
MSF UPDATE
MSF field hospital operational in Butembo catchment area
MSF has established a fully operational field hospital with 40-bed Ebola Treatment Unit capacity in the Butembo catchment area of North Kivu.
ProMED ALERT
ProMED: Unconfirmed reports of 3 suspected cases, South Kivu
ProMED has received unconfirmed reports of 3 suspected hemorrhagic fever cases in South Kivu. Samples have been sent to INRB laboratory for confirmation.
Africa CDC UPDATE
DRC Ministry of Health confirms outbreak contained to 2 health zones
The DRC Ministry of Health has confirmed that active Ebola transmission is currently limited to 2 health zones in North Kivu, with no evidence of spread to major urban centers.
Africa CDC UPDATE
Africa CDC deploys 120 community health workers for contact tracing
Africa CDC has deployed 120 additional community health workers to support contact tracing operations in affected health zones.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Situation Report #4: CFR falls to 65% with early treatment
WHO Situation Report #4 shows the case fatality rate has fallen to 65% as early treatment protocols are implemented. 38 cases and 25 deaths confirmed to date.
WHO UPDATE
rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine stocks airlifted to Goma by UNICEF
UNICEF has airlifted 5,000 doses of rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) vaccine to Goma for immediate deployment in ring vaccination campaigns in affected health zones.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Situation Report #3: 38 cases confirmed, 12 contacts lost to follow-up
WHO Situation Report #3 confirms 38 cases and 26 deaths. Concern raised over 12 contacts who are lost to follow-up, complicating containment efforts.
MSF UPDATE
MSF opens 40-bed Ebola Treatment Unit in North Kivu
MSF has opened a dedicated 40-bed Ebola Treatment Unit in North Kivu, equipped with experimental therapeutics and trained clinical staff.
WHO ALERT
WHO Situation Report #2: Outbreak spreads to second health zone
WHO Situation Report #2 confirms the outbreak has spread to a second health zone. 25 confirmed cases and 17 deaths. Genomic sequencing confirms single transmission chain.
Africa CDC ALERT
DRC Ministry of Health declares national public health emergency
The DRC Minister of Health has declared a national public health emergency, activating the national emergency operations centre and requesting international assistance.
WHO UPDATE
UNICEF airlifts 50,000 PPE units to DRC for Ebola response
UNICEF has airlifted 50,000 units of personal protective equipment to DRC including gloves, gowns, face shields, and N95 respirators for healthcare workers.
Africa CDC UPDATE
DRC MoH: contact tracing identifies 156 high-risk contacts
DRC Ministry of Health reports 156 high-risk contacts identified through contact tracing, with 89% currently under daily monitoring.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Situation Report #1: 18 cases, 12 deaths confirmed in DRC
First official WHO Situation Report confirms 18 cases and 12 deaths in eastern DRC. Outbreak epicenter identified in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Director-General briefs UN Security Council on DRC Ebola
WHO Director-General briefed the UN Security Council on the evolving Ebola outbreak in DRC, calling for sustained international support for the response.
ECDC UPDATE
ECDC Risk Assessment: 2026 DRC Ebola outbreak — risk to EU/EEA
ECDC risk assessment for the 2026 DRC outbreak concludes risk to EU/EEA is low. Approved vaccine (Ervebo) and treatments (Inmazeb, Ebanga) available for Zaire strain.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Flash Update: outbreak epicenter identified as Rutshuru territory
WHO Flash Update identifies Rutshuru territory in North Kivu as the outbreak epicenter, with laboratory-confirmed cases in 3 villages within a 15km radius.
CDC UPDATE
CDC issues Level 2 Travel Watch for eastern DRC
CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Watch (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for travelers to eastern DRC in response to the confirmed Ebola outbreak.
ECDC UPDATE
ECDC rapid risk assessment: negligible risk to EU/EEA from DRC Ebola
ECDC has published a rapid risk assessment concluding the risk to EU/EEA is negligible given current outbreak parameters and limited international travel from affected areas.
Africa CDC ALERT
Africa CDC: enhanced surveillance activated across Great Lakes region
Africa CDC has activated enhanced surveillance across the Great Lakes region including Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania in response to the DRC Ebola confirmation.
ProMED RESEARCH
Genomic sequencing confirms Zaire ebolavirus strain in 2026 DRC outbreak
Whole genome sequencing by INRB confirms the 2026 DRC outbreak is caused by Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), closely related to previous DRC strains.
Africa CDC ALERT
First confirmed case of 2026 DRC Ebola outbreak reported
DRC Ministry of Health and Africa CDC confirm the first case of Ebola virus disease in eastern DRC, the 16th recorded outbreak in the country since 1976.
ProMED ALERT
ProMED: Initial alert — 5 hemorrhagic fever deaths, eastern DRC
ProMED published the initial alert reporting 5 unexplained hemorrhagic fever deaths in a remote village in eastern DRC, 3 days before official confirmation.
WHO RESOLVED
Uganda SVD outbreak declared over — 14 cases, 4 deaths, 86 days
WHO and Uganda Ministry of Health declared the end of the Sudan virus disease outbreak on 26 April 2025, after 42 consecutive days with no new cases. Total: 14 cases (12 confirmed, 2 probable), 4 deaths, CFR 29%. Seven districts affected. Emergency vaccine trial TOKOMEZA SVD launched 4 days after the outbreak declaration.
MSF RESEARCH
MSF: 1976-2024 — Five decades of Ebola response, five species, 31 outbreaks
On the 48th anniversary of the first Ebola outbreak, MSF published a retrospective covering five decades of response across 31 outbreaks, five ebolavirus species, and 14 countries.
WHO OUTBREAK
2024: DRC South Kivu — 9 cases, rapid response prevents wider spread
A brief Ebola outbreak in South Kivu, DRC, with 9 cases and 6 deaths was rapidly contained through ring vaccination and contact tracing, demonstrating improved local response capacity.
CDC UPDATE
CDC updates clinical management guidelines for Ebola virus disease
CDC updated its clinical management guidelines for EVD, incorporating lessons from the PALM trial and post-approval experience with Inmazeb and Ebanga.
ECDC UPDATE
Wellcome Trust pledges $150M for next-generation Ebola vaccines
Wellcome Trust pledged $150M for development of vaccines covering all five ebolavirus species, not just Zaire ebolavirus, following gaps exposed by the 2022 Uganda Sudan strain outbreak.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: Global Ebola vaccine stockpile established for rapid deployment
WHO and Merck established a global stockpile of 500,000 doses of rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) vaccine for rapid deployment to future Zaire ebolavirus outbreaks, a legacy of the 2018-2020 DRC Kivu response.
CDC RESEARCH
NIH: Phase 1 trial for Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidate begins
NIH began a Phase 1 clinical trial of an investigational Sudan ebolavirus vaccine based on the ChAd3 vector platform, responding to the 2022 Uganda outbreak.
WHO UPDATE
WHO DON: Uganda Sudan ebolavirus outbreak — final situation report
WHO declared the end of the Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Uganda. Final count: 164 confirmed and probable cases, 55 deaths, CFR 33.5%.
CDC UPDATE
CDC: Healthcare infection prevention and control framework for EVD
CDC published comprehensive infection prevention and control framework for healthcare facilities in the US and internationally, updated based on lessons from multiple outbreaks.
ECDC UPDATE
CEPI launches Sudan ebolavirus vaccine development program
CEPI launched a $200M program to accelerate development of vaccines against Sudan ebolavirus following the 2022 Uganda outbreak, which had no approved vaccine.
ECDC UPDATE
ECDC Risk Assessment: Ebola in Uganda (Sudan ebolavirus), October 2022
ECDC rapid risk assessment found the risk to EU/EEA from the 2022 Uganda Sudan ebolavirus outbreak to be very low, but flagged the absence of approved vaccines or treatments.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: Our response to the Uganda Ebola (Sudan strain) outbreak
MSF deployed teams to Uganda's Mubende and Kassanda districts, establishing isolation units and training healthcare workers amid the Sudan ebolavirus outbreak.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: Uganda Sudan ebolavirus outbreak confirmed
WHO confirmed a Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Uganda's Mubende District. No approved vaccine or specific treatment exists for this species.
WHO OUTBREAK
2022: Uganda Sudan ebolavirus — 164 cases, no vaccine, no approved treatment
The 2022 Uganda outbreak caused by Sudan ebolavirus highlighted a critical gap: no approved vaccine or specific treatment existed for this species. Emergency vaccine trials were launched mid-outbreak.
CDC RESEARCH
Science: Broadly neutralizing antibodies against multiple Ebola species
Researchers identified pan-ebolavirus neutralizing antibodies that protect against Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo, and Tai Forest ebolaviruses in animal models, a step toward a pan-ebolavirus vaccine.
WHO UPDATE
WHO DON: DRC North Kivu outbreak — 6 cases, declared over
WHO declared the end of the DRC North Kivu Ebola outbreak. 6 confirmed cases and 5 deaths were recorded. Ring vaccination successfully contained the outbreak.
WHO UPDATE
WHO updated IPC guidance for healthcare facilities during Ebola
WHO published updated infection prevention and control guidelines for healthcare facilities responding to Ebola outbreaks, incorporating lessons from 2018-2020 DRC and COVID-19.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: DRC Maniema Province Ebola outbreak — 6 cases
WHO confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Maniema Province, DRC. 6 confirmed cases and 4 deaths. The outbreak is the 14th in DRC since 1976.
WHO OUTBREAK
2022: DRC Maniema — 6th consecutive DRC outbreak, 6 cases
DRC recorded its 6th Ebola outbreak in 5 years in Maniema Province, demonstrating the country's unique vulnerability and the ongoing burden of endemic ebolavirus spillover.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Emergency Use Listing granted to Inmazeb monoclonal antibody
WHO issued Emergency Use Listing for Inmazeb (REGN-EB3), enabling its procurement by UN agencies and deployment in resource-limited outbreak settings.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: Responding to DRC's 10th and 11th Ebola outbreaks simultaneously
MSF reflection on managing two simultaneous DRC Ebola outbreaks — the 10th in Équateur and 11th in North Kivu — demonstrating the need for pre-positioned response capacity.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: 11th DRC Ebola outbreak declared over — 12 cases in 53 days
WHO declared the 11th DRC Ebola outbreak over after 53 days. 12 confirmed cases and 6 deaths. Ring vaccination and rapid response contained the outbreak.
CDC RESEARCH
Nature: Fruit bats confirmed as natural reservoir for Zaire ebolavirus
Long-term surveillance studies confirm Pteropodidae fruit bats as the primary natural reservoir of Zaire ebolavirus, with antibody prevalence up to 16% in certain species.
CDC RESEARCH
NEJM: Two-dose heterologous vaccine regimen (Ad26/MVA) shows durable immunity
NEJM published 2-year follow-up data from the Zabdeno/Mvabea heterologous prime-boost vaccine showing durable antibody responses, supporting mass vaccination campaigns.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: 11th DRC Ebola outbreak confirmed, North Kivu Butembo
WHO confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Butembo, North Kivu — the same city affected in the 2018-2020 outbreak. 12 cases and 6 deaths were confirmed.
WHO OUTBREAK
2021: Butembo outbreak — 12 cases traced to 2018-2020 Kivu strain (survivor transmission)
Genomic sequencing revealed the 2021 Butembo outbreak was caused by a strain identical to the 2018-2020 Kivu outbreak, suggesting a long-term survivor as the source — an Ebola 'flare-up'.
CDC UPDATE
FDA approves Ebanga (ansuvimab) for Zaire ebolavirus
FDA approved Ebanga (ansuvimab-zykl), a human monoclonal antibody targeting Zaire ebolavirus glycoprotein. Approved based on PALM trial data showing superior survival over ZMapp.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: 10th DRC Ebola outbreak (Équateur Province) declared over
WHO declared the end of the 10th Ebola outbreak in DRC. 130 cases and 55 deaths were recorded in Équateur Province over 130 days.
CDC UPDATE
FDA approves Inmazeb for Zaire ebolavirus in adults and children
FDA approved Inmazeb (atoltivimab, maftivimab, and odesivimab-ebgn) as the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for Zaire ebolavirus infection in adults and children.
ECDC UPDATE
Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo (Zabdeno/Mvabea) two-dose vaccine approved in EU
European Medicines Agency approved the two-dose heterologous Ebola vaccine regimen (Zabdeno/Mvabea, Janssen) for Zaire ebolavirus, providing a stockpilable alternative to rVSV-ZEBOV.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: DRC Kivu Ebola outbreak declared over — 3,481 cases, 2,299 deaths
WHO declared the end of the DRC Kivu Ebola outbreak, the largest in DRC history and second largest globally. The outbreak lasted 25 months across 29 health zones.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: 10th DRC Ebola outbreak — Équateur Province begins
WHO confirmed the 10th Ebola outbreak in DRC in Équateur Province while the country was still managing the tail of the 2018-2020 Kivu outbreak.
WHO OUTBREAK
2020: DRC Équateur — 10th DRC outbreak begins while Kivu still ongoing
DRC faced its 10th Ebola outbreak in Équateur Province just as the 9th (Kivu) was winding down — an unprecedented simultaneous dual-outbreak situation, with 130 cases and 55 deaths.
WHO UPDATE
WHO prequalifies rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) Ebola vaccine
WHO prequalified the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine (Ervebo, Merck) for Zaire ebolavirus, making it available for procurement by UN agencies and eligible countries.
CDC RESEARCH
NEJM: PALM trial — mAb114 and REGN-EB3 superior to ZMapp and remdesivir
The PALM randomized controlled trial in DRC showed that mAb114 (ansuvimab) and REGN-EB3 (Inmazeb) significantly improved survival compared to ZMapp and remdesivir. Published in NEJM.
CDC RESEARCH
Nature Medicine: Remdesivir shows limited efficacy against Ebola in PALM trial
The PALM trial demonstrated remdesivir had lower survival benefit compared to mAb114 and REGN-EB3 for Ebola treatment, shifting focus to monoclonal antibody therapies.
WHO ALERT
WHO declares DRC Kivu Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
WHO Director-General declared the DRC Kivu Ebola outbreak a PHEIC, the fourth Ebola PHEIC in history, after the outbreak crossed into Uganda.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: DRC Kivu outbreak surpasses 3,000 cases
The DRC Kivu Ebola outbreak passed 3,000 confirmed cases, becoming the largest in DRC history and surpassing the 2000 Uganda outbreak for second largest overall.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: Why the DRC Kivu Ebola response is unlike any other
MSF analysis of the unprecedented challenges in responding to Ebola in an active conflict zone including armed attacks on treatment centres and community distrust.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: Community resistance and the battle against Ebola in Kivu
MSF field report on the unprecedented challenge of community mistrust and violence against health workers in the 2018-2020 DRC Kivu response.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: 9th DRC Ebola outbreak confirmed, North Kivu
WHO confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, DRC — a first for the province. The outbreak is occurring in an active conflict zone with significant response challenges.
WHO OUTBREAK
2018: DRC Kivu outbreak begins — the first Ebola response in an active war zone
The 2018 DRC North Kivu outbreak began in an area of active conflict between government forces and over 100 armed groups — making it the most complex Ebola response in history.
WHO UPDATE
WHO DON: DRC 2018 Bikoro outbreak declared over — 54 cases
WHO declared the end of the DRC Bikoro Ebola outbreak (8th outbreak). 54 confirmed and probable cases and 33 deaths were recorded.
WHO OUTBREAK
2018: DRC Bikoro — 54 cases, first operational use of rVSV-ZEBOV in a major outbreak
The DRC Bikoro outbreak (54 cases, 33 deaths) was the first to use rVSV-ZEBOV ring vaccination in a large-scale operational context, vaccinating over 3,000 contacts in 3 months.
WHO UPDATE
WHO DON: DRC Likati 2017 — 8 cases, first use of ring vaccination prototype
WHO declared the 2017 DRC Likati outbreak over. 8 cases and 4 deaths. The outbreak was contained in 42 days using an early ring vaccination strategy.
WHO OUTBREAK
2017: DRC Likati — 8 cases, first successful deployment of ring vaccination strategy
The DRC Likati outbreak (8 cases, 4 deaths) was contained in 42 days — the first successful deployment of a ring vaccination strategy using rVSV-ZEBOV under a compassionate use protocol.
CDC RESEARCH
Phase III Ebola Ça Suffit trial: rVSV-ZEBOV shows 97.5% efficacy
Final results of the Ebola Ça Suffit phase III trial published in The Lancet confirmed 97.5% efficacy of rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) in a ring vaccination strategy in Guinea.
WHO RESEARCH
WHO: Ebola Ça Suffit ring vaccination trial shows 100% efficacy in interim analysis
The Ebola Ça Suffit ring vaccination trial in Guinea demonstrated 100% efficacy in an interim analysis. Published in The Lancet, this result supported emergency use of rVSV-ZEBOV.
CDC RESEARCH
Science: Ebola RNA persistence in semen up to 500+ days post-recovery
Studies from the West Africa outbreak documented Ebola virus RNA persistence in semen for up to 531 days post-recovery, leading to updated sexual transmission guidance.
CDC RESEARCH
Nature: A82V mutation increased 2014 West Africa strain's human transmissibility
Nature study showed the A82V mutation in the 2014 Makona variant glycoprotein enhanced binding to human cell surface protein NPC1, potentially increasing transmissibility.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: 40 years of Ebola response — lessons from the field
MSF published a retrospective on 40 years of Ebola response, highlighting key lessons: early detection, community engagement, and the need for pre-positioned experimental therapeutics.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: West Africa Ebola — the largest outbreak in history, final report
MSF published its final report on the West Africa response, detailing 3,000+ MSF staff deployed, 16,000 patients admitted to MSF facilities, and calling for reforms to global health emergency response.
CDC UPDATE
USAID: $2.8 billion spent on 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola response
USAID reported total US government spending on the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola response reached $2.8 billion, the largest US government emergency health response in history.
CDC RESEARCH
Science: IV fluid resuscitation significantly reduces Ebola case fatality rate
Analysis of Ebola Treatment Unit data showed that aggressive intravenous fluid rehydration substantially reduced CFR, even before specific antivirals were available.
CDC RESEARCH
ZMapp compassionate use in West Africa: early clinical results
PREVAIL II trial results for ZMapp published in NEJM. While showing trend toward benefit, trial was underpowered due to outbreak ending. Laid groundwork for PALM trial.
CDC RESEARCH
2016: New Sierra Leone case reveals Ebola sexual persistence 179 days post-recovery
A new Ebola case in Sierra Leone — 10 days after the country was declared Ebola-free — was traced to sexual transmission from a survivor. Virus isolated from semen 179 days after his recovery.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: Guinea declared Ebola-free, ending the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak
WHO declared Guinea free of Ebola virus transmission, ending the 2-year West Africa epidemic. Final toll: 28,616 cases and 11,310 deaths across Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
CDC RESEARCH
The Lancet: Favipiravir antiviral trial results in Guinea Ebola patients
The JIKI trial of favipiravir in Guinea showed improved survival in patients with lower viral loads. First prospective randomized trial of an antiviral against Ebola.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: Sierra Leone declared free of Ebola virus transmission
WHO declared Sierra Leone free of Ebola virus transmission. The country suffered 14,124 cases and 3,956 deaths in the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded.
CDC RESEARCH
The Lancet: Sexual transmission of Ebola confirmed in Sierra Leone
The Lancet confirmed a case of sexual transmission of Ebola in Sierra Leone from a survivor to his sexual partner, establishing sexual contact as a confirmed transmission route.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: Liberia declared free of Ebola virus transmission
WHO declared Liberia free of Ebola virus transmission for the second time. Liberia was the hardest-hit country with 10,678 cases and 4,810 deaths.
WHO UPDATE
WHO: Safe and dignified burials reduce Ebola transmission by up to 80%
WHO analysis showed that safe and dignified burials, replacing traditional washing of deceased bodies, reduces Ebola transmission by up to 80% — one of the most effective interventions.
ECDC UPDATE
World Bank: Ebola cost West Africa $2.2 billion in economic output
World Bank report estimated the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic cost Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone a combined $2.2 billion in foregone economic output through 2015.
WHO UPDATE
2015: Sierra Leone enforces military quarantine zones to contain Ebola
Sierra Leone enforced military-backed quarantine zones in hot spot districts, a controversial measure that isolated thousands and raised questions about human rights in outbreak response.
CDC OUTBREAK
2014: Thomas Eric Duncan — first Ebola death on US soil
Thomas Eric Duncan died at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas — the first person to die of Ebola on US soil. His case led to infection of 2 nurses and a major reassessment of US hospital preparedness.
ECDC OUTBREAK
2014: Spanish nurse Teresa Romero — first Ebola infection outside Africa
Nurse Teresa Romero became the first person to contract Ebola outside Africa after treating a repatriated Spanish missionary at Madrid's Carlos III hospital. She recovered after ZMapp treatment.
CDC RESEARCH
NEJM: Mathematical modelling of Ebola transmission dynamics in West Africa
Early transmission dynamics of the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak published in NEJM. Basic reproduction number estimated at 1.51-2.53, emphasizing need for rapid intervention.
MSF UPDATE
MSF: We called for military intervention in West Africa — here is why
MSF's unprecedented call for military medical teams to deploy to West Africa, stating that civilian humanitarian capacity was overwhelmed and the outbreak was out of control.
WHO UPDATE
WHO Ebola response roadmap: mobilizing international response in West Africa
WHO published its Ebola Response Roadmap calling for 750 international medical staff, 100 new treatment beds per country, and $71M in funding within 60 days.
WHO ALERT
WHO Director-General declares West Africa Ebola outbreak a PHEIC
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan declared the West Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, calling for an extraordinary response.
CDC ALERT
CDC Travel Notice: Level 3 Warning for West Africa Ebola countries (2014)
CDC issued Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) warnings for Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia at the height of the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic.
WHO ALERT
WHO DON: Guinea confirms Ebola outbreak — West Africa epidemic begins
WHO confirmed Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea. The index case was a 2-year-old child in Méliandou village who died in December 2013. This marked the start of the largest Ebola outbreak in history.
WHO OUTBREAK
2012: DRC Orientale — Bundibugyo ebolavirus, 77 cases
The second outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus, occurring in Orientale Province, DRC, with 77 cases and 36 deaths — confirming that this new species can cause significant outbreaks.
WHO OUTBREAK
2012: Uganda Kibaale — Sudan ebolavirus with healthcare worker transmission
Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Kibaale District, Uganda, with 24 cases and 17 deaths. Significant healthcare worker infections highlighted ongoing gaps in infection control in rural hospitals.
CDC RESEARCH
Cell: Structural basis of Ebola virus entry via NPC1 receptor
Landmark Cell paper identified NPC1 (Niemann-Pick C1) as the critical intracellular receptor required for Ebola virus entry, opening new avenues for therapeutic development.
WHO RESEARCH
WHO DON: Uganda Bundibugyo 2007 — new Ebola species identified
WHO confirmed the identification of Bundibugyo ebolavirus — the 5th known ebolavirus species — as the cause of the 2007 Uganda outbreak, with 149 cases and 37 deaths.
WHO RESEARCH
2007: Uganda Bundibugyo — discovery of the 5th ebolavirus species
An outbreak in Bundibugyo District, Uganda, was caused by a previously uncharacterized ebolavirus — Bundibugyo ebolavirus. 149 cases and 37 deaths, CFR 25% — the lowest for any ebolavirus species.
WHO OUTBREAK
WHO DON: DRC Kasai Occidental 2007 — 264 cases, bushmeat link
WHO confirmed 264 Ebola cases and 187 deaths in Kasai Occidental, DRC. The outbreak was linked to consumption of bushmeat including non-human primates.
WHO OUTBREAK
2007: DRC Kasai Occidental — 264 cases, Ebola returns to western DRC
A major outbreak in Kasai Occidental, DRC, with 264 cases and 187 deaths. The outbreak reinforced the bushmeat-human transmission route and spread along major river arteries.
WHO UPDATE
WHO DON: Sudan Yambio 2004 — 17 cases, rapid containment
WHO confirmed the end of the Sudan Yambio Ebola outbreak with 17 cases and 7 deaths. Rapid response and barrier nursing contained the outbreak within 30 days.
WHO OUTBREAK
WHO DON: Republic of Congo 2002 — 143 cases, 90% CFR (highest recorded)
WHO confirmed the end of the Republic of Congo (Mbomo) outbreak with 143 cases and 128 deaths — a case fatality rate of 90%, the highest ever recorded for Ebola.
WHO OUTBREAK
2002: Republic of Congo Mbomo — 143 cases, 90% CFR (highest ever recorded)
The Mbomo outbreak in the Republic of Congo recorded 143 cases and 128 deaths — a case fatality rate of 90%, the highest ever documented for Ebola. Linked to gorilla die-offs in the area.
WHO OUTBREAK
2001: Gabon/Republic of Congo border — 65 cases, wildlife corridor risk
Ebola outbreak on the Gabon/Congo border with 65 cases and 53 deaths, highlighting cross-border transmission risk through shared wildlife corridors and the need for regional cooperation.
WHO UPDATE
WHO DON: Uganda Gulu Ebola outbreak — 425 cases, 224 deaths
WHO declared the end of the Uganda Gulu Sudan ebolavirus outbreak. 425 cases and 224 deaths were recorded, making it the largest Sudan ebolavirus outbreak at that time.
WHO OUTBREAK
2000: Uganda Gulu — largest Sudan ebolavirus outbreak at the time
Sudan ebolavirus caused an outbreak in Gulu, Uganda — 425 cases and 224 deaths, the largest Sudan ebolavirus event in history at that time. Spread primarily in hospitals and at funerals.
WHO OUTBREAK
1996: Gabon Booué — 60 cases, first Ebola medical evacuation to South Africa
A second 1996 Gabon outbreak in Booué resulted in 60 cases and 45 deaths. An infected physician was evacuated to Johannesburg, South Africa, where secondary infections occurred — the first Ebola case in South Africa.
WHO OUTBREAK
1996: Gabon Mayibout — 31 cases after contact with dead chimpanzee
An outbreak in Mayibout, Gabon traced to villagers who handled a dead chimpanzee found in the forest. 31 cases and 21 deaths.
WHO OUTBREAK
WHO DON: DRC Kikwit 1995 — 315 cases, landmark outbreak
WHO confirmed 315 cases and 250 deaths in Kikwit, DRC (then Zaire). The Kikwit outbreak was pivotal in establishing modern Ebola response protocols including barrier nursing.
WHO OUTBREAK
1995: Kikwit DRC — 315 cases, hospital transmission drives epidemic
The Kikwit outbreak was a landmark event — 315 cases and 250 deaths, with major amplification in Kikwit General Hospital. It established modern barrier nursing protocols and brought global attention to Ebola.
WHO OUTBREAK
1994: Gabon Mékouka outbreak — 52 cases linked to chimpanzee hunting
The first recognized Ebola outbreak in Gabon with 52 cases and 31 deaths. Index cases were gold miners who had contact with a dead chimpanzee, highlighting wildlife-human interface risk.
WHO RESEARCH
1994: Tai Forest ebolavirus — 4th species identified in Ivory Coast researcher
A Swiss researcher who conducted a necropsy on a dead chimpanzee in Ivory Coast's Tai Forest developed EVD. Tai Forest ebolavirus was identified as the 4th ebolavirus species — the only known case of this species in a human.
CDC RESEARCH
1989: Reston ebolavirus discovered in Virginia — asymptomatic in humans
A hemorrhagic fever outbreak in monkeys at a primate facility in Reston, Virginia was found to be caused by Ebola-related virus. Four workers infected but showed no symptoms — Reston ebolavirus does not cause disease in humans.
WHO OUTBREAK
1979: Sudan ebolavirus returns to Nzara — 34 cases, 22 deaths
Three years after the 1976 outbreak, Sudan ebolavirus re-emerged in Nzara with 34 cases and 22 deaths, confirming the virus persisted in the region's natural reservoir.
WHO OUTBREAK
1976: Ebola virus first identified in Yambuku, then-Zaire — 318 cases, 88% CFR
The first recognized outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred in Yambuku, DRC (then Zaire). The virus was named after the Ebola River. 318 cases and 280 deaths — 88% CFR, transmitted largely through hospital needles.
WHO OUTBREAK
1976: Simultaneous Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Nzara — a second species confirmed
A contemporaneous hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Nzara, Sudan (now South Sudan) was found to be caused by a distinct species — Sudan ebolavirus — with 284 cases and 151 deaths.