At least six Americans have reportedly been exposed to the Ebola virus during a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to sources cited by CBS News.
The outbreak has already been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. DR Congo’s Health Ministry has reported around 350 suspected cases and 91 deaths as officials race to contain the virus.
One American is believed to have developed symptoms, while three others reportedly had high-risk contact or exposure. It remains unclear whether any of them have tested positive for Ebola.
CDC Supports Safe Withdrawal
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is helping with the safe withdrawal of a small number of Americans directly affected by the outbreak. However, the agency did not confirm how many people were involved.
Reports suggest the US government is working to move the group from DR Congo to a secure quarantine location. One possible option mentioned by sources is a US military base in Germany, though this has not been officially confirmed.
During a press briefing, the CDC declined to provide detailed information about the Americans reportedly affected. Officials said the risk to the United States remains low.
The US has also issued a Level Four travel advisory, its highest warning level, urging people not to travel to DR Congo.
Bundibugyo Strain Has No Approved Vaccine
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Health officials say this strain is especially concerning because there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for it.
Uganda has also reported two confirmed cases and one death linked to the outbreak, according to the CDC.
The WHO said the outbreak, centred in eastern DR Congo’s Ituri province, does not meet the criteria for a pandemic. Still, the agency warned that the true number of infections could be higher than currently detected.
Officials also fear the virus could spread further within the region because of cross-border travel and population movement.
Health Officials Urge Public Safety Measures
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya warned that, without vaccines or effective medicines for this strain, public health measures are essential.
He urged communities to follow official guidance, especially around funerals. In past Ebola outbreaks, traditional burial practices contributed to the spread of the virus when people came into contact with infected bodies.
Health authorities are advising communities to avoid unsafe contact and to report possible symptoms quickly.
Cross-Border Screening Intensifies
The WHO has urged DR Congo and Uganda to strengthen cross-border screening to reduce the risk of wider spread. Nearby countries have also been told to increase preparedness, improve surveillance, and monitor health facilities and communities more closely.
Rwanda said it would tighten screening along its border with DR Congo as a precaution. Nigeria also said it was closely watching the situation.
Echoes of Past Ebola Outbreaks
The latest emergency has revived concerns about previous Ebola outbreaks, including the 2014–2016 West Africa crisis. That outbreak infected more than 28,600 people and killed 11,325, making it the largest Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.
It spread across several countries, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Outbreak Remains a Regional Concern
For now, US health officials say the danger to the American public remains low. But the reported exposure of several Americans highlights the wider risk facing aid workers, travellers and local communities in affected areas.
With suspected cases rising and no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, health agencies are focusing on isolation, monitoring, contact tracing and safe movement of affected people.
The coming days will be important in determining whether the outbreak can be contained or whether it spreads further across Central and East Africa.