CDC releases $107m emergency funding as Ebola outbreak surpasses 900 cases
Health authorities are stepping up response efforts as the Bundibugyo outbreak expands across eastern DRC and Uganda
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has committed US$107 million in emergency funding to support the response to the growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, as confirmed cases continue to rise and international health authorities warn of sustained transmission.
Africa CDC reported 915 confirmed cases and 210 deaths as of 17 June. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease, has become the largest recorded outbreak of its kind and is expanding more rapidly than previous Ebola events.
Africa CDC epidemiologist Dr Wessam Mankoula said the outbreak was approximately three times larger than any previous Ebola outbreak four weeks after a public health emergency declaration. The current outbreak was declared a public health emergency of continental security on 18 May.
Ituri Province remains the epicentre of transmission in the DRC, with continued spread reported across multiple health zones. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, although no new cases have been recorded there since 5 June.
Despite the growing case count, health authorities continue to assess the global risk as low. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials rather than through airborne transmission, making international spread less likely than with diseases such as Covid-19 or measles.
While Africa CDC and the World Health Organization do not currently recommend travel or trade restrictions, several countries have introduced measures regarding travellers arriving from affected regions, and health screening remains in place at key points of entry.
The CDC said it was maintaining regular contact with host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being held across the US, Canada, and Mexico, although officials stressed there was currently no indication of a broader international threat.
The outbreak is also exposing operational challenges that may concern insurers and assistance providers. Africa CDC has highlighted gaps in contact tracing, shortages of personal protective equipment, limited ambulance capacity, and community mistrust as factors complicating containment efforts.
A 90-day cross-border response plan between the DRC and Uganda has now been activated, with authorities focusing on surveillance, traveller screening, contact tracing, and infection prevention measures.
The situation remains one to monitor closely. Although the likelihood of international spread remains low, the outbreak’s unprecedented growth rate, evolving travel measures, and ongoing pressure on local healthcare systems could have implications.